Japan has completed construction of what is described as the world’s first 3D-printed train station building. Developed by West Japan Railway (JR West) in collaboration with Japanese housing manufacturer Serendix, the structure was assembled at Hatsushima Station in Arida, Wakayama Prefecture. The initiative explores the use of 3D printing technology in public infrastructure and its potential benefits in terms of speed, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Rapid Assembly Using Prefabricated Components
The 3D printed station building was installed on-site after regular train operations concluded, with assembly completed in approximately two and a half hours—significantly faster than conventional construction methods. The structure, located on the Kisei Line, stands at 2.6 metres high with a total area of about 10 square metres. JR West aims to open the station to the public by July 2025.

Structure and Material Composition
The building comprises four main prefabricated parts, including walls and a curved roof. These were produced using mortar-based 3D printing. The construction method involved creating hollow formwork with the 3D printer, into which reinforcing steel was inserted and concrete poured. According to JR West, this results in earthquake resistance comparable to that of traditional reinforced concrete houses.

The application of such hybrid additive manufacturing techniques—combining printed formwork, steel reinforcement, and concrete—may be of interest to architects, product designers, and landscape architects, particularly those exploring structural performance in digitally fabricated, small-scale public buildings.

Cost Efficiency
JR West reported that the cost of constructing the 3D printed building is approximately half that of a conventional reinforced concrete structure. In addition to reduced costs, the use of prefabricated components and a rapid on-site build process significantly decreases material waste and labour requirements.

Local Context and Design Integration
The station features a minimalist, white design with a carved motif of a mandarin orange on its façade, referencing local agriculture in the Arida region. Situated near the uninhabited island of Jinoshima, the station serves both local commuters and recreational visitors. The project demonstrates how small-scale infrastructure can still reflect regional identity through form and detail.

Broader Applications in Public Infrastructure
JR West has indicated that it is considering using 3D printing technology for additional station building projects in the future. With Japan’s ageing population and a shrinking workforce—over 40% of the population is projected to be aged 65 or older by 2070—automation and digital fabrication are increasingly relevant for maintaining and modernising public infrastructure with limited human resources.

This project offers a practical example of how digital fabrication, material efficiency, and design flexibility can come together to address social, economic, and environmental challenges in infrastructure development.

Source: CNN, The Japan Times
Image: JR West