Photos: Japan debuts first approved 3D-printed house with earthquake-ready frame

Japan has unveiled its first government-approved two-story 3D-printed reinforced concrete house, the O House, developed by Kizuki Co. Ltd. and architectural studio Onocom. This 50-square-meter residence combines robotic 3D printing with a conventional reinforced concrete frame to meet Japan’s stringent seismic building standards. The hybrid construction approach features a reinforced strip foundation and ground-improvement piles supporting a concrete frame, within which 3D-printed walls—created using a custom COBOD printer—are integrated. This marks a significant milestone as it demonstrates that 3D-printed reinforced concrete can transition from experimental projects to mainstream residential construction in an earthquake-prone country. The O House’s design draws inspiration from natural cave geometry, incorporating sweeping curves and structural arches that serve as integral load-bearing elements rather than mere decoration. The structure rises from half a meter below ground to seven meters above, showcasing vertical printing capabilities beyond single-story prototypes. Construction was completed by a four-person crew working primarily on-site