The 3D-printed architecture rides quickly and enables a wide range of projects, from Walmart to residential and data centers. The latest innovation comes from Japan, where a train station will be built in just six hours. While the Hatsushima station is not a high-quality multi-storey complex, it is a simple and modest structure. This project is a collaboration between the West Japan Railway Company, Jr. West Innovations and Serendix and will be in the Wakayama Prefecture Prefecture in Wakayama.
Designer: West Japan Railway Company, Serendix & JR West Innovations
The structure is at a height of 2.6 meters (8.6 feet), with a width of up to 6.3 meters, and a depth of 2.1 meters (6.10 feet). The outside of the building has a flawless white finish that is beautifully decorated and illustrates the renowned oranges and fish in the region and gives a touch of local charm. Inside, the layout offers open sides, ensures an airy feeling and includes an apparent seating area for visitors to relax and enjoy the area. “It consists durable and corrosion -resistant of reinforced concrete,” said West Japan Railway Company. “In addition, no formwork is used compared to conventional constructed methods, which enables greater freedom in the design and stronger design flexibility. The exterior design aims to create a station building that reflects the unique properties of the area and is contributed by the residents of residents that contribute to regional coexistence.”
As was initially shared by West Japan Railway Company, the construction of the station should be completed in just six hours, which fits functionally between the last train of one day and the first train of the next train. However, the construction was planned for March 25 and was built quickly in two hours instead of the predicted six! But how is such a fast build possible? The structure of the animal shelter was prefabricated, probably in a factory environment using a standard -3D printer. This included extruding a cement -like mixture by a nozzle, layer by layer, to form the necessary forms. As soon as these components were printed, they were transported to the location and quickly assembled with a crane. This assembly phase was reached efficiently and seamlessly in just a few hours. The duration of the printing process was not announced.
The goal is that the West Japan Railway Company, if this project proves to be inexpensive and low-maintenance, consider to expand it, which may replace older wooden structures with more 3D-printed stations all over Japan. The success of this project could welcome a completely new era of infrastructure for Japan – one that is modern, economical and sustainable. It replaces outdated structures and brings durable and low -maintenance alternatives.
