Towards Architecture That "Turns Craftsmanship into Systems" to Protect Owners' Asset Value

Yumi Life Group's marukan Co., Ltd. is promoting the creation of systems that allow anyone to build high-quality structures, thereby protecting owners' valuable assets.

The construction industry faces challenges such as restrictions on overtime work (the 2024 problem), severe labor shortages, and a personalized system where construction quality depends on the experience and intuition of craftsmen and site supervisors.

The company is converting the wisdom and skills cultivated by craftsmen into systems that anyone can replicate, promoting the standardization and quantification of construction processes. By utilizing AI and DX as means to achieve this, they are realizing high-quality construction that does not rely on experience or intuition, while also creating an environment where women and inexperienced individuals can thrive.

Challenges of "Relying on Experience (Gray Zone)" Remaining in the Construction Industry

For many years, the quality of construction sites has been supported by the "rules of thumb" of craftsmen and site supervisors, and the culture of "on-site adjustments" where materials are processed on the spot to fit site dimensions. However, such personalization, along with associated waiting times and rework (corrections), significantly reduces the productivity of the entire industry.

In fact, according to data from the Japan Productivity Center, the hourly labor productivity in Japan's construction industry (approximately 2,700 yen) is about half that of the average for all industries (approximately 5,700 yen), and the inefficient system compared to other industries has been a concern.

In response to this background, marukan's Director Nishiyama has a strong sense of mission: "When entrusted with valuable assets of 100 or 200 million yen from owners, we must be able to guarantee a certain level of quality regardless of who is in charge."

With the awareness that "the reason young workers are not attracted is not a lack of people due to labor shortages, but the abundance of waste such as on-site adjustments," the company is reforming productivity and quality through thorough "standardization" and "quantification (manualization)" of construction processes.

AI and DX are "Sincere Means" for Owner Satisfaction, Not the Goal

What marukan aims for is not AI or DX itself. What they aim for is the inherent value of architecture: "no rain leaks," "does not collapse in an earthquake," and "reduces future maintenance burdens and protects asset value."

◼︎ [Tens of Thousands of Screws, All Filmed and Released on YouTube]:

One wooden apartment building uses approximately 3,000 metal fittings and about 40,000 screws. A problem has been noted in the industry where a few missed screws can lead to insufficient strength. The company films the installation status of all screws and metal fittings before they are hidden by wall boards. This is "fully disclosed" via a private YouTube channel for owners and LINE.

This thorough visualization not only demonstrates a sincere inspection system free of rework but also provides great peace of mind as a "reliable resume (proof of asset value)" for owners when they sell or appraise the building in the future.

Because Quality is Protected by Systems, Women and Inexperienced Individuals Can Also Thrive

The company actively utilizes digital technologies such as BIM, cloud systems, and AI.

By digitizing construction procedures, remotely managing sites from a central location using fixed cameras, and introducing AI for safety and defect checks, the burden of "one construction manager constantly stationed at the site all day" has been eliminated.

This has made it possible to manage site operations with a shift system of "spot work, with three people taking turns for 2 hours a day."

By supporting quality with systems, physical hurdles are also overcome, leading to the creation of new workers for the construction industry (diversity).

Director Nishiyama says:

"It's not that women or inexperienced people can't do it, but it's important to create a system where anyone can protect quality. Quality is guaranteed by the system, not by relying on individuals. Reducing physical burden and creating an environment where we can share the joy of manufacturing as a team is the future of the construction industry."

Creating Sites That "Turn Craftsmanship into Systems"

With the awareness that "the reason young workers are not attracted is not a lack of people due to labor shortages, but the abundance of waste such as on-site adjustments," the company is reforming productivity and quality through thorough "standardization" and "quantification (manualization)" of construction processes.

◼︎ [Framing as a Puzzle]:

Traditionally, the "diagonal nailing" technique, which requires skilled intuition, was used to fasten the studs that join pillars and beams. The company has changed this to a construction method using U-shaped steel parts. By simply fitting the parts and fastening them from the front, a system has been created that guarantees high strength without deviation, regardless of who performs the work.

◼︎ [Plastering's "1mm" Construction Method]:

It used to take 5 to 10 years of training to become proficient in the technique of plastering walls uniformly. The company has introduced a special material with a "1mm thickness" that even amateurs can apply without failure. By simplifying the process to four layers of application (4-layer structure), beginners with less than one year of experience and women can achieve the same beautiful finish as veteran craftsmen.

Director Nishiyama's Comment

"What we aim for is not to deny the experience of craftsmen. It is to transform the excellent knowledge born from experience into 'systems (numbers)' and create an environment where anyone can build high-quality buildings. Just as a professional chef quickly provides the best meal with movements free of any waste, construction should also thoroughly eliminate waste and ambiguity from on-site adjustments.

Architecture is a valuable asset for owners. Therefore, we want to pursue sincere manufacturing based on evidence and quality, not personalized craftsmanship. AI and DX are merely means to that end. We will continue to proudly build buildings that support the future of people, towns, and lifestyles in Shonan."

◼︎ About Yumi Life Group

Under the banner of "Changing the Future of People, Towns, and Lifestyles," this is a comprehensive real estate group that develops rental management, real estate brokerage, construction, asset utilization, and PFI/PPP businesses, primarily in the Shonan area. With a strong foundation rooted in the region, they are involved in everything from housing to town development.

Location: Fujisawa 223-2, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

URL: https://you-me-life.co.jp