Japan’s First 3D-Printed Soil House: Eco-Friendly, Earthquake-Resistant, and Ready for the Future

Japan has officially introduced its first residential house built primarily from clay using 3D printing technology. The project tackles two major challenges in the construction industry – labor shortages and rising material costs – while opening the door to a new era of sustainable housing.

Japan's 3D-printed clay house vision of future life

Liebwerk, a domestic manufacturer based in Yamaga city, Kumamoto Prefecture, led the project. Company President Riki Seguchi shared his excitement, saying that with 3D printing, his vision of the “home of the future” has finally been realized.

Libwork 3D Printed Home-Inspired by tradition, created by innovation

The walls of the house take inspiration from traditional Japanese mud walls but are built with modern technology. Clay obtained from Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture was used as the main ingredient, which was shaped into durable structures by an arm-type 3D printer.

Japanese mud walls-Strong, waterproof and earthquake resistant

Although the walls are made of mud, they are completely waterproof and reinforced with special materials to prevent rain erosion. The house is also earthquake-resistant, designed to withstand shocks on the scale of the Kumamoto earthquake. Furthermore, it offers soundproofing and thermal insulation, making it practical for everyday life.

Eco-friendly mud house-Designed for comfortable living

The single-storey house spans approximately 100 square meters and was designed with couples in mind who prefer a comfortable lifestyle. Prices start at 60 million yen, but Libwork is already planning a more affordable model starting at 20 million yen. If mass production targets are met, costs may be reduced by half.

President Seguchi stated: “Since it contains no non-natural materials whatsoever, we ultimately hope to realize the concept of ‘building with soil and returning to soil.’”

LibWork has applied for a patent on the wall material formula and plans to begin accepting pre-orders for homes starting in August. According to LibWork, this marks the first instance in Japan of a home constructed using a 3D printer with soil as the primary raw material.