#Japan #Housing #Shimane #Off-Site #Amity Town

Completion of Innovative Off-Site Housing in Shimane

A new two-story and single-story housing facility for single occupants has been completed in the Hishiura area of Amity Town, Shimane Prefecture. This significant project, known as the "Hishiura Area Amity Flow Facility Construction Project," was undertaken under the guidance of the Japan Off-Site Construction Association and successfully delivered on March 23, 2026, with a total of 15 units.

Background of the Project

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for housing for single occupants in Amity Town, driven by a surge in newcomers wanting to relocate. However, this demand has led to a chronic shortage of available living spaces. Local construction businesses have struggled to meet this rising demand due to workforce shortages and the complexities involved in securing accommodations for workers traveling from outside the island.

As a solution to these challenges, the project organized a competitive proposal to attract businesses both from within and outside the region. This proposal emphasized the need for a construction method that ensured a short period of completion, reasonable processes, and high-quality living facilities.

Unique Features of the Project

The project utilized an advanced off-site construction method through collaboration between local builder Kitamine Construction and highly skilled operators from outside the region.

1. Off-Site Construction for Rapid Completion

Approximately 70% of the construction was carried out on the mainland, allowing for significant time savings. Large panels were manufactured in Okayama City. After assembly at the port of Magata in Shimane, they were transported to Amity Town via ferry. On-site, the sections were joined together to create complete housing units, resulting in a construction timeline of about five months, with three months allocated for assembly on the mainland.

2. Using Traditional Techniques for Maintenance

Despite being mobile structures, the housing units were constructed using traditional wooden frameworks adapted for large-panel designs. This approach ensures that local construction workers can effectively handle repairs and maintenance, enhancing sustainability and community involvement in upkeep post-completion.

3. High-Performance and Eco-Friendly Design

The facility meets stringent building standards, boasting seismic resistance grade 3, deterioration resistance grade 3, and an insulation rating of grade 6. Constructed largely with locally sourced materials, the building not only adheres to modern performance expectations but also contributes to environmental conservation through reduced carbon footprints.

Project Overview

• - Project Name: Hishiura Area Amity Flow Facility Construction Project
• - Total Cost: 297 million yen (including tax)
• - Building Size: 15 single-occupancy units, between 25 to 30 square meters each
• - Construction Duration: Site development took eight months, with building construction completing in five months.

Team Collaboration

This innovative project stands as a testament to the successful collaboration of various companies, leveraging their strengths:

• - Kitamine Construction, Shimane: Local on-site construction and after-service.
• - Sato Construction Co., Niigata: Overall project planning and basic design.
• - Wood Station Co., Chiba: Large panel construction and transportation logistics.
• - Japan Off-Site Construction Association: Development scheme formulation.

This project exemplifies a remarkable approach to solving complex challenges in remote construction, ensuring quality living environments for residents while addressing labor shortages and environmental sustainability. The completion of these facilities is a crucial step forward in tackling the housing deficiencies in Amity Town, making a significant impact on the community and its future growth.