Duty room,
Yokohama City University Hospital Training Building

Addressing challenges in a 24-hour hospital duty environment

A new male duty room was established in the Training Building of Yokohama City University Hospital to address longstanding challenges with the facility's overnight nap environment. Previously, the duty room was directly connected to the changing area, meaning that lights switched on by staff changing clothes frequently disrupted colleagues who were trying to sleep. Furthermore, conventional bunk beds offered little privacy and made it difficult to take a comfortable nap due to ambient noise and snoring. To ensure that resident doctors undergoing demanding clinical training can get adequate sleep, the hospital sought an urgent upgrade to create a quiet, private space for napping.

Ensuring privacy and comfort through rapid capsule bed installation

In response to the hospital's request for a swift solution, Kotobuki Seating installed six GS-CUBE capsule beds in March 2025, completing the project in approximately three months within a renovated space formerly used as a restroom. Each fully enclosed unit provides a private space for napping; the panel structure helps reduce sound transmission between adjacent beds, while light-blocking entrance curtains prevent sleepers from being disturbed by room lighting. To maximize bed capacity within the compact space, the layout combines two side-open models, featuring entrances parallel to the sleeper, with four front-open models featuring entrances perpendicular to the sleeper.

Streamlined construction and ergonomic interior updates

The GS-CUBE builds on Kotobuki Seating's long heritage in capsule design, offering a streamlined interior free of unnecessary protrusions and sized to accommodate standard commercial mattresses. The exterior features warm wood-grain panels that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding decor. By replacing conventional assembly methods with an upgraded structural framework in which panels are securely fitted into supporting pillars, the installation time was significantly reduced, allowing for smooth installation even within severe spatial constraints.

Access to the upper tier was also redesigned with user safety and ergonomics in mind. The ladder is installed at an angle that narrows toward the top, complemented by a wide landing platform and sturdy handrails that allow users to enter the capsule while remaining upright and stable. Finished in iron black, the ladder matches internal accents such as power outlets and small storage compartments, creating a refined, modern aesthetic throughout the space.

Facility overview

Yokohama City University Hospital is the city's only Advanced Treatment Hospital, renowned for its leadership in acute care, advanced medical technology, and clinical research. The Training Building serves as an essential base for resident doctors, housing personal workspaces, lockers, and a dedicated Clinical Training Center. By introducing state-of-the-art capsule beds into the new duty room, the hospital provides doctors working overnight shifts with the quality sleep they need to support both their well-being and high-quality patient care.

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