EN
Matsui Construction Co., Ltd. is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 as the company marks its 440th anniversary, with roots going back to 1586.
To commemorate this historic year, Matsui Construction is collaborating with Zuisenji Temple (Inami Betsuin) in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, a temple that has been closely connected to the company since the era of its first-generation master carpenter, Kakuemon Matsui.
One of the most exciting initiatives is the “Digital Zuisenji” project. While full details are not yet publicly available, the team is developing an immersive experience using Matterport so that visitors can virtually explore the temple grounds.
The digitalization effort goes far beyond the visible areas of the site. The project includes:
- Matterport scans of attic and underfloor spaces
- Drone-based imaging and point clouds to document roof tile deterioration and the entire site
- Detailed capture of the temple’s intricate Inami wood carvings
The collected point cloud data from Matterport and drones is being combined in Archicad to create a comprehensive HBIM model (Heritage BIM) of Zuisenji Temple. This initiative is led by a leader of the Archicad Construction User Group in Japan, highlighting how knowledge sharing within the community can translate directly into real-world projects.
A progress update was recently presented during a memorial service at Zuisenji Temple, where the initiative received very positive feedback from attendees.
Zuisenji Temple itself has a long and dramatic history. Since its founding, it has suffered three major fires, and each time Matsui Construction has been involved in the reconstruction. The current buildings reflect this legacy:
- The Sanmon Gate, completed in 1809 by the 11th-generation master carpenter, is now designated as an Important Cultural Property.
- The Main Hall, completed in 1885 by the 13th generation.
- The Taishidō Hall, completed in 1918 by the 14th generation.
Today, under the leadership of the 17th-generation master carpenter, Matsui Construction continues to support the preservation and renewal of this historic temple while embracing digital technologies that will carry its heritage toward the 450th anniversary and beyond.
To read the original thread on Japanese click here.
