The Sapporo Park Restrooms are functioning toilet prototypes designed and printed in Japan. The intention of the structures is to create simple sanitation solutions for countries that lack such appropriate facilities.
The challenge
CyBe Construction worked with Japanese partner Aizawa to create two self-contained restrooms that would address Goal 6 of the United Nations’ Social Development Goals: to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. The company’s goal was to create a design that could be used in Japan, but also reproduced for use in other countries that have insufficient sanitation facilities, such as India.
The takeaways
This project demonstrated that a 3D concrete printing approach, which requires fewer people, was an apt solution to the Japanese labor shortage problem. By purchasing their own printer, Aizawa was able to construct faster, more sustainably, and with less labor and fewer costs than traditional construction. This project sparked ideas for new construction and business opportunities. CyBe was also able to locally produce CyBe Mortar in Japan and overcome language barriers to supply training, education, and remote support.
