#Japan #Mobile Architecture #Ama Town #Off-Site Building #Ama Town, Shimane

Overview

The Japan Mobile Architecture Association, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is spearheading an exciting housing project aimed at attracting new residents to Ama Town in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. This initiative tackles the unique construction challenges faced by remote islands, including a shortage of skilled workers, prolonged construction periods, the burden on local communities, and high transportation costs. By utilizing off-site building methods and mobile architecture, the project is set to deliver high-quality housing by the end of this fiscal year.

Off-Site Construction

Off-site construction involves the assembly of building units in facilities located outside the island. This marks a significant shift from traditional construction methods, where all processes had to occur at the site. In this project, building units will be fully manufactured at off-site factories and then shipped to the island in a boxed format to be installed on-site.

Benefits of Off-Site Construction

• - Reduced On-Site Work: Since interiors, exteriors, and essential system installations are completed off-site, on-site work is limited to the installation of foundations and connections.
• - Quality Assurance: Minimizing the impact of weather and enhancing quality control in factories ensures superior construction quality.
• - Less Local Burden: With fewer workers needed on-site, the project reduces the long-term strain on local residents.
• - Efficient Waste Management: Construction debris and waste are disposed of off the island, alleviating pressure on local waste processing facilities.
• - Time Efficiency: The ability to manufacture upper units concurrently with foundation work significantly shortens the overall construction timeline.

Mobile Architecture

Mobile architecture represents a flexible approach to construction that allows for rapid assembly, relocation, and expansion of wooden structures. These building units are manufactured in factories and transported via trucks or ships, enabling swift assembly and modification.

Characteristics of Mobile Architecture

• - Open Construction Method: The use of traditional wood framing techniques allows local carpenters and construction companies nationwide to produce, maintain, and renovate these structures without needing specialized skills.
• - Comparable Performance to Regular Homes: Our homes meet seismic grade 3 and insulation grades 5-6, ensuring decades of durability.
• - Expandable and Relocatable: New units can be added as demand grows, with the potential for future relocations or reuse.
• - Energy Efficiency Standards: Compliant with Japan’s energy-saving housing standards implemented in April 2025, these homes can integrate solar panels and storage batteries, qualifying as zero-energy homes (ZEH).
• - Low Environmental Impact: The reuse of materials during the building's lifecycle significantly minimizes waste generation, making it environmentally friendly.

Support for Municipalities in Rural and Isolated Areas

The Japan Mobile Architecture Association has seen a growing interest from municipalities in rural and isolated regions facing construction challenges.

• - Labor Shortages: Many local areas struggle with a lack of skilled construction workers, hindering new developments.
• - Accommodation for Workers: There is often no available housing for on-site workers, leading to challenges in project implementation.
• - Need for Quick Development: There is a pressing need for swift infrastructure development without compromising quality.

We invite municipalities experiencing such difficulties to reach out for support. Initial consultations can be conducted via web conferencing to better understand your needs and how we can assist.

For inquiries, please contact us at: Japan Mobile Architecture Association Contact