The Tokyo 2020 venue is set to stage artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics competitions at the Olympics as well as boccia during the Paralympics.

A year after its unveiling, Tokyo 2020 says the 12,000-capicity venue has now been credited for using wood "as a renewable and aesthetically rich resource".

The award has been given out annually since 1993 by the Japan Council for Advancement of Timber Utilisation, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Minister of the Environment.

"This year’s award is an important recognition of Tokyo 2020’s ongoing efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and save energy," a statement from Tokyo 2020 read.

A feature of the venue is the use of Japanese cedar to create the exterior shape of a wooden vessel with an external concourse, which organisers say is similar to an engawa, a Japanese-style veranda.

The installation of 90-metre wooden roof beams free of any steel framework has allowed the creation of a 30m high open space without pillars in the centre of the venue.

Organisers said it was the "most expansive usage of timber of any of the Tokyo 2020 venues", featuring "one of the largest timber roofs in the world" and specially-crafted wooden benches for spectators.

Larch wood from Nagano and Hokkaido prefectures was used to create the timber roof while the benches were made of cedar from Mie prefecture.

Tokyo 2020 says the venue is intended to "showcase traditional Japanese craftsmanship", with its structure "embodying key aspects of Japan’s culture of timber-based construction".

"The Ariake Gymnastics Centre has become a symbolic Tokyo 2020 venue, sharing Japanese culture with the wider world," the statement added.

The venue is located in the Tokyo Bay Zone, with the Athletes’ Village and Main Press Centre just five minutes away by car.