Japanese Traditional Building Techniques - Assignment Example

Traditional Building Techniques of an Indigenous Culture: Japanese Introduction The island nation of Japan lies to the west of the circum-Pacific earthquake belt. Moreover, Japan is exposed to typhoons and strong winds. Typhoons cause floodwater and landslides. Wooden buildings are densely packed in old towns, which extend into urban areas. In these urban areas, many fires occur due to the dry air in winter, seasonal strong winds, and foehn or warm dry winds emerging from the mountains. “Even snow is troublesome because Japanese snow is very wet, heavy and sticky” (Itabashi & Fukuda 1999: 38). Due to the powerful impacts of nature’s forces and Japan’s climatic conditions, traditional and new methods of building construction focus on minimising risk to people and property, caused by natural hazards. Moreover, legislation and standards such as the Japanese Building Standard Law for regulating construction have been crucial. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the traditional building techniques of the indigenous culture of Japan. Discussion Traditional Japanese Clay-Walled Houses Timber and clay are abundantly available in Japan; hence these are the main building materials used in Japanese house construction since the last several hundred years (Figure 1). The framework is constructed with timber, which is walled with the help of clay. By the late 1970s, this traditional method of building Japanese houses gradually decreased. This was mainly because the timber framework was replaced by the North American style panel construction, and the clay wall by timber or steel paneling. However, in some places in Japan such as Toyohashi, the traditional building technique is continued in the present day; though the number of clay-walled houses constructed is declining (Hideo 2003). Carpenters put sills on the concrete foundation, erect posts then using various joints they join the various posts with beams. The contemporary method is to use nails, reinforcing metals and brasses to give more earthquake resistance to the houses according to the Building Regulations. According to Hideo (2003), after the roof structure has been assembled, a ceremony of ridge raising termed Muneageshiki is performed, in collaboration with the client and the community. Carpenters prepare the frame sections at their workshop from cut timber, and assemble them at the building site (Figure 2.). Plasterers set bamboo lath in frame spaces and apply clay to the lath (Figures 5, 6 & 7). This Arakabe is generally applied before the onset of winter; and it takes one to two months to dry completely. This is followed by two more applications of clay, the levelling and finishing layers (Hideo 2003). Concurrent to the application of Arakabe the roofing of the house is carried out with pan tiles, which have been traditionally used since several centuries (Figures 3 & 4). Roof tiles are also manufactured indigenously. From this, the town Kawara-machi meaning “Roof Tiles” derived its name. Moreover, some roof tile manufacturers were in villages also, and their products helped to meet local demand. The pan tiles need a clay bed to fix them on the roofing. “Carpenters lay the water proof course on the roof broad, Yane-ya, the roofer spreads the roof clay bed on the course to fix pan tiles as thick as 5 to 8 cm” (Hideo, 2003: 5). The roof is reinforced with various types of roof tiles since otherwise they may be damaged by typhoons. The traditional roofs with wide eaves have been used since ancient times, as seen in the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, dating back to the 13th century A.D. (Figure 11). Some of the advantages of clay-walling are that the method is time-tested, with technical and cultural sustainability. It requires only “local materials and existing artisans thus enabling preservation of traditional built environment and rural landscape” (Hideo 2003: 1). On the other hand, clay-walling takes 10 to 12 months for completion, and is both time and cost intensive. Hence, after the Oil Shocks of 1973 and 1978, foreign construction approaches were gradually adapted in Japan, introducing the panel construction which was more energy saving, as well as labour and cost effective. Architectural Features of Japanese Homes The main characteristic of Japanese architecture is that wood is used substantially, and this has occurred from the oldest times. The technique and expression of wooden buildings, in traditional Japanese style are distinctive. In the wooden construction of Japanese architecture, the column is the main supporting member (Figure 9). The wall spaces are not considered as significant as the supporting members. The wall is made in the form of room curtain or partitions, making it possible to provide a window or door opening of maximum size (Figure 8). Column, girder and other members of the building are always exposed. Nails are rarely used, and various parts of the building are assembled and fitted together (Figure 10) (Kishida & Kankakyoku 2008). Some other unique characteristics of Japanese architecture are: the varieties of roofs of residential buildings: “the gabled roof, hipped roof, pyramidal roof and hipped roof with gables (irimoya)” (Kishida & Kankakyoku 2008: 16). The great projection of eaves is another distinctive feature of traditional Japanese architecture. This helps to increase the visual stability and harmony of the structure. The eaves also obstruct rainfall from entering through open windows. In winter the sun is low in the mainland of Japan, and the eaves do not prevent the sun’s rays from entering the house. One of the most unique details in Japanese architecture is Masu-gumi which supports the wide projection of the eaves. In traditionally constructed buildings, natural colours, mainly of the wood formed the colour scheme. The “simple and refined” use of neutral colours is characteristic of Japanese architecture. From China, Japan learned to use rich colours in buildings (Kishida & Kankakyoku 2008). Throughout Japan, constructional features of houses are applied uniformly. The entire residential architecture of Japan is the same, which is a unique feature in the history of architecture. However, differences based on local climatic adaptations, carpenter’s personal preferences and other reasons have now emerged (Engel 2006). This is supported by Nute (2004: 24), who states that “the general planning rules collectively known as the chiso were meant to recreate the same ideal living conditions everywhere”. Moreover, the integration of nature with culture is apparent in the relationship between gardens and buildings in Japan. Further, the traditional Japanese name for a home is katel which is a combination word for house and garden. Besides wood and clay, other natural materials used are bamboo, straw, reed, stone, plaster and clay (Figure 12). The introduction of western methods have brought in the use of metal, with consequent modifications of the design. The original design of Japanese homes did not include any metal support or joinery. “Constructional procedure, dimension and detail were written down on paper scrolls and kept by the master carpenter” (Engel 2006: 17). The social conditions have brought about the greatest limitation and curtailment of space in building, which is not seen in western architecture. The relationship of human and architectural measurement is so immensely close, that they are seen as identical. From this emerges a “strong inter-relationship of man and house, and is the major reason why the Japanese house appears dwarfishly small in comparsion with western residences” (Engel 2006: 17). The Japanese adapted the Chinese system of forming posts on foundation stones, hoping to make their constructions more durable. However, these posts have no resistance against lateral loads, and will either fall down or slide from the foundation stones. For more open and light buildings, the Japanese gradually replaced slender posts and thin board panels which they preferred to thick clay wall. The nageshi system constituted posts, nuki and thin wall, which have continued till the contemporary time. Unlike Buddist temple buildings, vernacular Japanese constructions faced the danger of serious damage by lateral loads. Located on a belt of potentially severe earthquakes, and regular earthquakes , effective practices had to be developed (Ito 2007). Buildings are subjected to vibrations, changes in form and damages. Since effective preventive measures were not available, to stop gradual looseness. Japan developed the method of periodical repair. “First the parts easily subjected to damage such as the roof tiles and clay walls should be repaired from time to time” (Ito 2007: 3). Secondly, every two hundred years, buildings should be tightened again or dismantled and re-assembled at least partly. Lastly, every 300 to 400 years, complete dismantling, necessary replacement of members, and re-assembly should be undertaken, forming a major repair activity. Vernacular Japanese houses were weak and could not withstand seismic attacks. This indicated that the need for improved construction had to be met. Development of Japanese Low Energy Homes Based on Renewable Energy To reduce the energy consumption in the home, the use of renewable energy for low-energy homes has been studied by Hamada et al (2001). Using natural energy sources and unused energy, low energy homes have been found to be useful. The home is superinsulated and air-tight to reduce the coefficient of heat loss. Various passive strategies include direct solar heat gain and a ventilation system with an exhaust stack. For autonomous supply of electricity, and domestic hot water, there is use of photovoltaic modules, wind power and solar collectors. For space heating and cooling, a ground source heat pump was found to be low-cost. For earth heat exchange, vertical steel wells were found to be adequate. In summer, a floor cooling system uses piped cold water from the vertical earth heat exchangers. Around 80% of the home’s total requirement of energy was supplied by “photovoltaic modules, solar collectors, as well as underground and exhaust heat” (Hamada et al 2001: 805). A year’s average purchased energy by this method, was only 12.5% that of a typical home. This method was found to be highly cost-effective, and environmentally beneficial. Legislation on Earthquake-Resistant Building Structures in Japan Repeated earthquakes cause damage to the materials used in the construction of buildings. Disastrous earthquakes are usually followed by repeated aftershocks of the same level or lesser level as the earthquake itself. The Building Standard Law in Japan “protects humans and property from earthquake disasters” (Itabashi & Fukuda 1999: 37). It includes policies related to construction using materials and techniques which specifically counter seismic forces. Amending the Law in 1981, plastic design was introduced in architecture. Similarly, a new series of steel with low yield ratios (the ratio of yield stress to tensile strength) was developed and produced in 1994, to support the new seismic proof structural design method. The new Enforcement Order requires that firstly, buildings should not be damaged after earthquakes, both weak and severe; and secondly, building collapse should not occur even from a disastrous earthquake. The second requirement is met by ensuring the structural members of the building act as seismic energy absorbers by means of plastic deformation in the structural members (Itabashi & Fukuda 1999). The new code requirements established in 1981 could be further improved by including more “tiedowns, straps and stirrups, better floor and roof diaphragms, and better lateral bracing systems” (Tobriner 1997). Even some recent constructions have failed. Well-designed metal connections used in a retrofit strategy would improve the performance of the frame by strengthening the joints. Terra-cotta being fire-resistant and aesthetic, its tiles could be developed to produce a lighter roofing system. For greater safety, traditional Japanese construction techniques should include modern anti-seismic technology. Conclusion This paper has highlighted traditional building techniques of the indigenous culture of Japan. Traditional Japanese clay-walled houses was discussed, the constructional features of Japanese homes were examined, the methods of creating low energy homes based on renewable energy was identified, and legislation regarding earthquake-resistant constructions in Japan was studied. It was found that the unique Japanese culture with its focus on combining nature with the built environment, the spiritual zen-like lifestyle with the normal daily activities, are important factors that determine the traditional design of buildings. Moreover, the country’s exposure to the strong forces of nature, especially earthquakes and typhoons, have necessitated the traditional plans of buildings. This paper has found that housing needs to be improved, for increased protection as well as aesthetics and comfort of living. Amendments in legislation supporting progressive developments are required. Future research needs to be based on how technology can help to improve residential buildings in Japan, to overcome the limitations imposed by nature’s elements. At the same time it is important to retain the unique cultural heritage and traditions of Japan. References Engel, H. (2006). Measure and construction of the Japanese House. Edition 4. The United Kingdom: Tuttle Publishing. Hamada, Y., Nakamura, M., Ochifuji, K., Nagano, K. & Yokoyama, S. (2001). Field performance of a Japanese low-energy home relying on renewable energy. Energy and Buildings, 33: 805-814. Hideo, I. (2003). Japanese clay-walled house: materials, artisans and techniques. Toyohashi University of Technology. Retrieved on 14th June, 2009 from: www.kenken.go.jp/english/information/information/event/shaeic/pps/ab17.pdf Itabashi, M. & Fukuda, H. (1999). The Japanese Building Standard Law and a series of steels for earthquake-resistant building structures. Technology, Law and Insurance, 4: 37-44. Ito, N. (2007). A historical review of the Techniques in Japanese buildings for resisting various loads, focusing on seismic attacks. International Symposium. In From material to structure: mechanical behaviour and failures of the timber structures. ICOMOS IWC – XVI International Symposium – Florence, Venice and Vicenza 11th -16th November 2007. Kishida, H. & Kankakyoku, K. (2008). Japanese architecture. Edition 3. London: Read Books Publications. Nute, K. (2004). Place, time and being in Japanese architecture. England: Routledge. Tobriner, S. (1997). Response of traditional wooden Japanese construction. National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://nisee.berkeley.edu/kobe/tobriner.html TJA (Traditional Japanese Architecture) 1. (2009). Wall in the form of a detachable divider. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://academic.csuohio.edu/makelaa/lectures/architecture/arch014.html TJA (Traditional Japanese Architecture) 2. (2009). Load-bearing pillars support the roof. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://academic.csuohio.edu/makelaa/lectures/architecture/arch011.html TJA (Traditional Japanese Architecture) 3. (2009). Buildings are assembled without nails. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://academic.csuohio.edu/makelaa/lectures/architecture/arch013.html TJA (Traditional Japanese Architecture) 4. (2009). The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://academic.csuohio.edu/makelaa/lectures/architecture/arch002.html TJA (Traditional Japanese Architecture) 5. (2009). Use of natural materials in architecture. Retrieved on 15th June, 2009 from: http://academic.csuohio.edu/makelaa/lectures/architecture/arch010.html ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1. Facade of a Typical Clay-Walled House (Hideo 2003: 2) Figure 2. Assembling Members at Building Site (Hideo 2003: 3) Figure 3. Tile Roofing in Progress (Hideo 2003: 5) Figure 4. Tile Roofing (Hideo 2003: 5) Figure 5. Bamboo Lath Viewed from Inside (Hideo, 2003: 4) Figure 6. Bamboo Lath Viewed from Outside (Hideo, 2003: 4) Figure 7. Plastering Arakabe on Bamboo Lath (Hideo, 2003: 5) Figure 8. Wall in the Form of a Detachable Divider (TJA 1. 2009) Figure 9. Load-Bearing Pillars Hold Beams and Brackets that Support the Roof: Plan Used Since Ancient Times (TJA 2. 2009) Figure 10. Buildings are Assembled without Nails. Beams, Pillars, Railings and Window Grids are Fixed in Place (TJA 3. 2009) Figure 11. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Dating from the 13th Century (TJA 4. 2009) Figure 12. Use of Natural Materials in Architecture: Bamboo, Straw, Reed, Wood, Clay, Stone and Plaster (TJA 5. 2009) Read More