New modular unit combines recycled aluminum, long term durability and relocatable design to support circular construction.
SUS Corporation, a leading Japanese manufacturer of aluminum profiles for factory automation, has launched the t2-01 aluminum unit house as the flagship of a new generation of 4R architecture that targets both environmental performance and flexibility of use. Sales of t2-01 began on 4 November 2025 following the official announcement on 30 October.
The concept extends the familiar three Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle with a fourth element, Remain. Structural columns, beams and roof members are manufactured from recycled aluminum produced in SUS’s own casting plant. According to the company, recycled aluminum requires only about three percent of the energy needed for primary aluminum production, which significantly cuts CO₂ emissions while creating a circular materials loop for future units.
T2-01 is designed as a modular unit that can be configured for applications such as compact single person housing, workspaces, accommodation facilities, movable pop up stores and container type data centers. The structure uses a 1,200 millimeter grid, with a two by five unit measuring 2,400 by 6,000 millimeters as a standard example. Mechanical joints assembled with bolts and screws eliminate the need for sealant, simplify disassembly and reconstruction by component, and support relocation of the entire unit by truck and crane.
Performance targets are set at the level of permanent buildings. The envelope is clad entirely in aluminum to maintain appearance and weather resistance over long periods while reducing maintenance costs. The company reports that t2-01 meets the Japanese ZEH insulation grade 5 standard that will apply to new housing from 2030, achieves high airtightness with a C value around 1, and is engineered to seismic grade 3. Third party testing under simulated severe wind and rain has confirmed the absence of water ingress.
The launch is part of the ecoms aluminum architecture business, which applies SUS know how from industrial automation to new types of living and working spaces that can be repeatedly used, relocated and ultimately recycled.
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