3D-printed architecture is rapidly advancing, enabling a wide range of projects from a Walmart to housing and data centers. The newest innovation hails from Japan, where a train station will be constructed in merely six hours. While Hatsushima Station isn’t a towering multi-story complex, it is a straightforward and modest structure. This project is a collaboration between West Japan Railway Company, JR West Innovations, and Serendix, and it will be situated in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture.
Designer: West Japan Railway Company, Serendix, & JR West Innovations
The structure will stand at a height of 2.6 meters (8.6 feet), with a width extending to 6.3 meters (20 feet), and a depth measuring 2.1 meters (6.10 feet). The building’s exterior will feature a pristine white finish, beautifully decorated with illustrations of the region’s renowned oranges and fish, adding a touch of local charm. Inside, the layout will boast open sides, providing an airy feel, and include what appears to be several seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. “Made of reinforced concrete, it is durable and resistant to corrosion,” said the West Japan Railway Company. “In addition, compared to conventional precast construction methods, it does not use formwork, allowing for greater freedom in shaping and greater design flexibility. The exterior design aims to create a station building that reflects the unique characteristics of the area and is loved by local residents, contributing to regional coexistence.”
As shared by West Japan Railway Company initially, the construction of the station was to be finished in just six hours, fitting conveniently between the last train of one day and the first train of the next. However, the construction was scheduled for March 25, and it was swiftly built in two hours instead of the predicted six! But how is such a rapid build possible? The shelter’s structure was prefabricated in parts, likely in a factory setting, using a standard 3D printer. This involved extruding a cement-like mixture through a nozzle, layer by layer, to form the required shapes. Once these components were printed, they were transported to the site and swiftly assembled with a crane. This assembly phase was efficiently and seamlessly accomplished in a mere few hours. The duration of the printing process hasn’t been disclosed.
The goal is that if this project proves to be cost-effective and low-maintenance, West Japan Railway Company might consider expanding it, potentially replacing older wooden structures with more 3D-printed stations across Japan. The success of this project could welcome a whole new era of infrastructure for Japan – one that is modern, economical, and sustainable. It will replace outdated structures, bringing in durable and low-maintenance alternatives.