Rupia Court Hanakoganei – Pollen-Resistant Apartment in Kodaira City

Introduction

In a country where pollen allergies have become a widespread social and economic concern, innovative housing solutions are gaining attention. Rupia Court Hanakoganei is a new condominium project in Kodaira City that integrates cutting-edge pollen‐resistant systems in both its common and private areas. Developed by Polus Group’s 株式会社中央住宅 and 三信住建株式会社, this project not only offers modern living but also aims to provide a healthier indoor environment for residents who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Property Overview

Location and Accessibility
Rupia Court Hanakoganei is ideally located in the flower-named district of Hanakoganei in Kodaira City. The Property benefits from its proximity to key transportation links: it is an 11-minute walk from the Seibu Shinjuku Line Hanakoganei Station, a 14-minute bus ride from the JR Chuo Main Line/Chuo Rapid Musashikoganei Station, and an 11-minute walk from the Seibu Bus Minami-Hanakoganei Bus Stop.
This convenient location is complemented by nearby amenities including shopping centers, schools, and parks, providing residents with daily access to greenery and leisure.

Site and Building Specifications

• Site Area: 1,959.07 m²
• Building Structure: A reinforced concrete (RC) construction, 5 stories above ground
• Total Floor Area: 3,859.72 m²
• Total Units: 44 (plus 1 management office unit)
• Unit Layouts: Ranging from 1LDK＋S to 4LDK, with individual unit sizes between 62.81 m² and 95.73 m²
• Design Certification: The project is ZEH-M Oriented and has obtained the Tokyo “こどもすくすく住宅” design certification
• Completion and Occupancy: Scheduled for mid-February 2026 (completion) with move-in planned for mid-March 2026
• Model Room: The model room opened on February 8, 2025

Advanced Pollen-Resistant Features

Rupia Court Hanakoganei distinguishes itself by incorporating specialized systems designed to mitigate the effects of pollen—an especially critical feature given that pollen allergies affect a significant portion of the Japanese population.

Dual-Approach Pollen Control

1. Entrance Air Shower System ("おかえりエアシャワー"):
   Installed at the building entrance, this innovative system uses a high-speed air jet (up to 30 m/s) to blow off pollen and other airborne particulates from residents’ clothing and hair before they enter the interior. The system utilizes a two-stage filtration process with a pre-filter and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to ensure that harmful particles such as PM2.5 and pollen are effectively removed.

2. Pollen-Blocking Window Screens ("快適空間 まどマスク"):
   Within the individual units, specially designed window screens are installed in living areas and bathrooms. These screens feature a fine mesh (approximately 80 microns) that can block up to 80% of airborne pollen while still allowing natural ventilation. This design enables residents to enjoy fresh air and natural light without compromising indoor air quality.

Additional Design and Health Benefits

• Smart Home Integration: Sensors continuously monitor indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity. An AI-driven control system adjusts ventilation settings in real time to maintain a consistently comfortable and allergen-reduced environment.
• Energy Efficiency: The building is constructed with high insulation and airtight techniques, coupled with an energy-efficient HVAC system. This not only reduces energy consumption but also supports a natural ventilation strategy that minimizes the need for excessive heating or cooling.
• Innovative Kitchen Design ("ピアキッチンプラン"): The project also introduces a unique “vertical kitchen” layout that enhances spatial efficiency and promotes better air circulation throughout the unit.
• Enhanced Security and Durability: As a modern condominium, the building adheres to the latest seismic standards and includes comprehensive 24-hour security, ensuring a safe and resilient living environment.

The Pollen Allergy Challenge in Japan

Prevalence and Impact

Pollen allergies—particularly cedar (杉) pollen allergies—have reached epidemic proportions in Japan. Recent surveys indicate that, as of 2019, approximately 42.5% of the population suffers from pollen-related allergic rhinitis, with cedar pollen accounting for nearly 38.8% of these cases. The condition affects people of all ages and has even been noted to trend toward younger demographics.

Is It Worth It? Should Every Tokyo Apartment Implement These Measures?

Evaluating the Investment

Given the high prevalence of pollen allergies and the significant impact they have on quality of life, implementing advanced pollen-resistant features—like those in Green Residence Kodaira—offers tangible benefits. The high-performance air purification and automated systems not only improve indoor air quality but also enhance overall comfort and health. For residents who suffer from allergies, the investment can be considered worthwhile, as it reduces medical expenses and increases daily well-being.

Broader Implications for Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with many residents experiencing the adverse effects of seasonal allergies. While it may not be immediately feasible for every apartment to adopt these high-end systems due to cost constraints, a gradual integration in areas with higher concentrations of allergy sufferers is likely. As technology becomes more affordable and its benefits widely recognized, such measures could become a standard feature in new developments, elevating the overall quality of housing in Tokyo.

Conclusion

Green Residence Kodaira exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to residential design, incorporating state-of-the-art pollen control and smart home technologies to create a healthier living environment. Considering the high incidence of pollen allergies in Japan—especially during the severe spring months—such investments appear to be well justified. While not every Tokyo apartment may adopt these measures immediately, the trend suggests that, in the near future, broader implementation could significantly improve living standards across the city.