Japan’s West Japan Railway Company, JR West Innovations, and Serendix collaborate to build the world’s first 3D-printed train station in just six hours, showcasing cutting-edge construction technology.
In what could be a major milestone for 3D-printed architecture, Japan is reportedly set to construct the world’s first 3D-printed train station in just six hours. The project, a collaboration between West Japan Railway Company, JR West Innovations, and Serendix, will bring Hatsushima Station to life in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture.
The station is not a large structure, nor overly complex one, but they do share a more compact yet progressive design, measuring 2.6 meters tall, 6.3 meters wide, and 2.1 meters deep. Its exterior will allegedly feature white walls adorned with artistic depictions of the region’s famous oranges and fish, while the interior is said to include open sides and seating areas.
What makes this project particularly intriguing is its construction process. According to reports, the station’s components will be 3D-printed off-site using a cement-like mixture, layer by layer, before being transported and assembled on location with a crane. This assembly phase is expected to take a mere six hours, completed between the last train of the day and the first train of the following morning.
West Japan Railway Company claims that the use of 3D printing eliminates the need for traditional formwork, offering greater design flexibility and durability. The reinforced concrete is also claimed to be resistant to corrosion, potentially allowing for a low-maintenance solution to aging infrastructure.
If successful, this project could pave the way for more 3D-printed stations across Japan, replacing outdated wooden structures with cost-effective, modern alternatives. The station is scheduled for construction on March 25, and the world won’t have to wait long to see the results of this ambitious endeavor.
