A 3D printed exhibition for Expo 2025 Osaka
At Expo 2025 in Osaka stands a unique 3D printed earthen rest facility built by Aki Hamada Architects using a Stand-Alone Crane WASP.
Stand-Alone Crane WASP: the 3D printer for construction using natural earth materials
The structure was built using a Stand-Alone Crane WASP from WASP capable of extruding earth to design a canyon-like architectural and landscape installation and material that was 100% sourced within Japan.
The printed mix, inspired by Japan’s traditional earthen walls, included soil, clay, straw, hardening agents, pigments, and seaweed glue.
The shapes of the structure are based on organic curves collected from various regions across Japan, obtained through 3D scanning. Among the earthen elements of the structure are a series of benches, planters, and hand wash basins.
3D Printed Bench Planters
The Stand-Alone Crane WASP 3D printer worked onsite and fabricated planters that also function as benches and tables—for both people and plants. Thanks to the 3D printer’s full build volume (6.2 meters in diameter and 1.7 meters in height), were produced four sets of these installations at various locations within the site. The planters took diverse forms—such as C-shapes that surround visitors or multiple clustered “islands”—creating spaces for rest that encourage various modes of occupancy.
3D Printed Wall Blocks
The building’s exterior panels were prefabricated with the Crane WASP in a Toyama factory: 56 mass-produced units each measuring 0,93 meters wide, 0,3/0,4 meters deep, and 1,2 meters high. Once dried, they were transported and installed onsite. Each block had a unique surface, and together they formed a texture resembling natural rock. As this scale of panel printing and transport was unprecedented, the entire process, from fabrication to installation, was developed from scratch.
3D Printed Hand Wash Basin
The wash basins for users of the toilets were also 3D-printed at the factory and transported to the site. These cylindrical elements featured a recessed front for knee space and a maintenance opening on the rear, allowing them to be slid into position beneath pre-installed sinks and countertops.
Credits: photo © AHA, Asuka Shikiba, Yosuke Ohtake, Suguru Takasawa, Jumpei Suzuki
Exhibition: Expo 2025
Location: Osaka, Japan
Architect: Aki Hamada Architects (AHA)
Year of Completion: 2025
Technology Used: Stand-Alone Crane WASP