#Instant House #LIFULL ArchiTech #Nishio City

Collaboration for Disaster Resilience

LIFULL ArchiTech, a group company of LIFULL, has established a pioneering agreement with Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, to ensure the rapid supply of instant houses during disasters. This initiative marks a first in Japan, aiming to streamline the provision of essential housing in emergency situations, especially when disaster strikes or threatens.

The Significance of the Instant House

During the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, around 280 instant houses were deployed with the support of various organizations, providing shelter for those unable to reach evacuation centers. These mobile units served multiple functions, ranging from quarantine spaces to emergency supply management locations. The success of these instant houses has highlighted the vital need for flexible, immediate housing solutions in disaster-stricken areas.

Conversely, the experience has revealed significant challenges in the rapid coordination of support right after a disaster. Local government staff often become victims themselves while trying to cater to the diverse needs of affected citizens. This can result in delays in assessing needs and organizing appropriate support, underscoring the importance of having a ready-made solution like the instant house.

Framework of the Agreement

This partnership aims to create a new delivery and installation framework for instant houses, allowing for immediate requests and setups amidst the chaos following a disaster. This system is poised to alleviate the burdens on local government staff, thus enabling them to focus on other urgent tasks. For citizens, it means quickly accessible spaces adaptable to various needs.

Instant houses can be established within hours post-disaster, offering comforting environments that address the shortage of shelters and support hubs. This rapid response not only protects the well-being and dignity of evacuees but also alleviates the physical and emotional stress often associated with disasters.

Nishio City's proactive approach through this agreement seeks to bolster local disaster preparedness and cultivate a safer community, contributing to a well-structured and responsive environment during crises.

Upcoming Developments

As a preliminary step, starting November 1, 2025, an actual instant house will be displayed in the lobby of Nishio City Hall as part of a disaster preparedness initiative. This move is intended to raise public awareness and inspire other municipalities across Japan to adopt similar agreements, effectively reducing the burden caused by frequent natural disasters and advancing disaster response protocols.

Expert Commentary

Yoshitaka Yamada, CTO of LIFULL ArchiTech and a researcher at Nagoya Institute of Technology, remarked:

“Our 'instant house' can be set up in just a few hours and provides high insulation and seismic resilience, creating a safe haven. During the Noto Peninsula earthquake, we delivered them quickly, receiving positive feedback from users who found warmth and comfort in their unique design.

Many local governments have begun to see the value in our product, and Nishio City has been particularly quick to recognize its potential, leading to this partnership.”

About Instant Houses

Instant houses originated from Professor Keisuke Kitagawa's research at Nagoya Institute of Technology following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. This structure is designed to operate as a non-building entity, allowing installation on various terrains without the typical restrictions that apply to permanent structures. The construction involves inflating tent-like walls and applying rigid polyurethane insulation from the inside.

This straightforward methodology allows for rapid deployment within hours while ensuring the houses are durable, insulated, and withstand seismic and wind forces. Instant houses serve multiple roles, including temporary medical facilities and community rest stops.

About LIFULL ArchiTech

LIFULL ArchiTech focuses on developing solutions to tackle issues like accommodation shortages due to rising inbound tourism, utilizing vacant properties, and delivering housing supplies in emergencies. The company embodies a mission encapsulated in its name—a blend of