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LIFULL ArchiTech Introduces Instant Room for Improved Shelter Living

In a commendable effort to address pressing societal issues, LIFULL ArchiTech, a subsidiary of LIFULL Corporation, has officially launched the "Instant Room" on May 13, 2026. This innovative private space is designed to enhance the living conditions within emergency shelters during disasters, particularly targeting the challenging environment that evacuees face.

The Critical Need for Improving Shelter Conditions

The living conditions in public shelters during disasters are often harsh. Many shelters lack adequate insulation, leading to severe cold-related health risks, especially in winter months. Furthermore, cramped spaces can lead to the spread of infections and create stress due to a lack of privacy. According to a study by the Cabinet Office, as of 2023, 123 out of 184 disaster-related deaths were attributed to physical and mental stress associated with inadequate shelter conditions, highlighting the importance of improving these environments for the safety of vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. To combat these challenges, LIFULL ArchiTech has developed the Instant Room.

Quick Assembly for Enhanced Comfort

The Instant Room utilizes a multi-layered cardboard structure to offer excellent insulation, soundproofing, and privacy protection. This allows for a safe and comfortable personal space for each evacuee. The design focuses not only on improving the quality of life for evacuees but also aims to mitigate the spread of infections by providing isolation areas. The Instant Room thus plays a crucial role in reducing physical and mental stress during shelter living, ultimately contributing to the prevention of disaster-related deaths.

Moreover, the assembly process is exceptionally efficient; the Instant Room can be set up by two adults in only about 15 minutes without the need for any tools. Its modular design allows for flexible spatial arrangements, accommodating family units or creating designated areas for breastfeeding, changing rooms, and more based on the needs in various situations. Additionally, any damaged or contaminated parts can be swiftly replaced to maintain hygiene and efficiency.

Given that it is made of cardboard, once the room's purpose is fulfilled, it can be easily recycled, thereby streamlining waste management after disasters and minimizing environmental impacts.

Specifications of the Instant Room

• - Dimensions (Assembled): Approximately 2m wide, 2m deep, and 2.7m high, which equals about 4.00 square meters (2.42 tatami mats)
• - Dimensions (Stored): Approximately 120cm x 64cm x 16cm in two boxes per unit (stackable)
• - Material: Cardboard (Secured with clips)
• - Weight: About 30 kg

Addressing Storage Challenges with Instant House Mobile

As the quality of emergency supplies becomes increasingly important, many municipalities struggle to secure adequate storage space for these supplies during normal operations. The need to construct new disaster warehouses or modify existing structures can place a financial burden on these local governments, leading to subpar facilities within shelters. Combining the Instant Room with the mobile storage solution "Instant House Mobile" effectively alleviates this storage issue. This product maintains the earthquake and snow resistance of its counterpart while being transportable via 3-ton trucks. It can store up to 40 units of Instant Rooms when packed, serving as a storage solution for emergency supplies outdoors during normal times. During a disaster, these supplies can be transported to the necessary locations, and once the supplies are withdrawn, the structure can be repurposed for medical facilities, volunteer centers, or other multi-functional uses. This approach allows municipalities to improve their shelter management quality without incurring additional construction costs.

Future Prospects: Promoting Disaster Preparedness Across Regions

The Instant Room has been enhanced and reintroduced following its successful trial in response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2026. It provided critical private spaces amidst challenging living conditions, functioning as breastfeeding lounges and changing rooms for children.

LIFULL ArchiTech is committed to supporting local governments and businesses across Japan in their disaster preparedness initiatives, ensuring that as many evacuees as possible can find safe and secure environments during emergencies.

Contact Information for Instant Room Inquiries

For further information regarding the Instant Room, please contact:
LIFULL ArchiTech Customer Support
Email: [email protected] or use the inquiry form on our website.

About Instant House

Developed in conjunction with Nagoya Institute of Technology, Instant House is a groundbreaking structure responding to the needs identified during the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. Labeled as non-construction due to its lack of permanent ground attachment, it bypasses typical construction regulations and can be installed on various types of land, facilitating rapid deployment during emergencies.

About LIFULL ArchiTech

Based on the research of Professor Keisuke Kitagawa at Nagoya Institute of Technology, LIFULL ArchiTech focuses on solving issues related to accommodation shortages due to increased inbound tourism, repurposing vacant houses, and providing housing solutions during disasters. The fusion of Architecture and Technology drives its mission to innovate and improve lives globally.

About LIFULL Corporation

LIFULL, listed on TSE Prime under stock number 2120, aims to provide solutions to societal issues through its services, including real estate information through LIFULL HOME'S, senior care solutions, and property investment resources.