#Japan #Tokyo #LIFULL #Instant House #LIFULL ArchiTech

Introduction

LIFULL ArchiTech, a subsidiary of LIFULL Group, has successfully executed a groundbreaking test involving the maritime transport of instant houses to remote islands. Conducted in July 2025, this experiment aims to address the challenges of providing suitable living environments in areas that have struggled with logistical, labor, and atmospheric hurdles. This innovative approach could revolutionize the construction of housing in hard-to-reach places.

Background of the Project

Currently, there are 77 designated regions and 256 islands under the Island Promotion Act as of April 2023. These islands possess unique natural environments and cultural heritage yet face significant challenges in utilizing their tourism potential. The issues include high transportation costs for construction materials, a shortage of skilled labor, and delays caused by adverse weather conditions. Despite the strong tourist demand, many lodging businesses struggle to establish themselves, limiting the islands' potential.

In response to requests for affordable and quick-to-install living spaces, LIFULL ArchiTech devised a solution that involves molding the instant houses on the mainland and transporting them via fishing boats directly to the islands. This maritime delivery method not only simplifies the logistics but also significantly cuts down the time and cost.

Achievements of the Experiment

This successful maritime model proved that instant houses can be delivered and installed in as little as two days, from assembly on the mainland to setup on the island. Furthermore, the entire process does not necessitate heavy machinery, allowing human resources to handle the launch into the sea and transport onto land. Compared to traditional land-based construction and logistics, this method drastically reduces both time and costs, offering an innovative way to establish comfortable living conditions on remote islands.

The financial benefits are considerable; the costs associated with constructing a typical house on an island can be halved to a quarter compared to conventional methods, while the required construction time may be reduced to only one-hundredth.

Future Prospects

The success of this project paves the way for other strategic developments in remote regions. By solving the construction-related challenges faced by islands, LIFULL ArchiTech aims to leverage the inherent resources of these areas to boost tourism, hospitality, and new business opportunities. The innovations derived from this maritime transportation model could extend beyond remote islands to other areas where land-based construction poses challenges.

Plans include the creation of water-based cafes and accommodations that can attract visitors, essentially revitalizing these scenic locales.

Project Director’s Commentary

Yoshitaka Yamada, CTO of LIFULL ArchiTech, emphasized the importance of simplicity in developing the instant houses. In tackling the logistical hurdles of delivering this construction to inaccessible locations, the team opted against overly complex solutions and focused on innovative yet straightforward approaches, such as floating the houses for transport. This embodies the essence of the instant house concept and reflects their commitment to practical and effective architectural solutions.

About Instant Houses

Instant Houses were developed as part of a collaborative effort between LIFULL and Professor Keisuke Kitagawa of Nagoya Institute of Technology after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. These structures do not anchor to the ground and thus do not fall under the same regulatory constraints as traditional buildings. They allow for quick setup within a few hours and possess excellent thermal insulation, durability, and resistance to both earthquakes and strong winds, making them suitable for various uses, including workspaces, medical shelters, and community gathering spots.

About LIFULL ArchiTech

Learn more about LIFULL ArchiTech and its innovative solutions aimed at addressing issues related to accommodation shortages exacerbated by rising tourist inflow, the utility of vacant houses, and the provision of housing during disasters. Their mission merges architecture and technology to transform the built environment.

About LIFULL

As a social enterprise listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Prime: 2120), LIFULL is committed to solving societal issues through its various businesses aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals. With services spanning real estate, local revitalization, and senior living, LIFULL strives to create a society filled with security and joy for all people.