Japanese architecture, developed through a long history, is full of depth and character. Traditional Japanese houses, built with these architectural principles, have a unique charm that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In this article, we’ll explore the appeal of traditional Japanese houses, focusing on the materials and construction methods that make them special.
The Roof of a Japanese House
One of the key features of traditional Japanese houses is the design of the roof. Most of these houses use roof tiles to protect the wooden structure from rainwater, preventing damage over time. These tiles, neatly arranged, not only look beautiful but are also known for their long-lasting durability.
There are three main types of roofs commonly seen in traditional Japanese houses:
1) Kirizuma roof (Gabled roof)
Kirizuma roof (gabled roof) has slopes on both sides, resembling the shape of an upside-down open book. Its triangular form has been a defining feature and has been widely used in Japanese homes from ancient times to the present day. One of its advantages is that the simple structure helps reduce building costs.
Additionally, because Japan experiences a lot of rain, roofs that can minimise water damage are preferred. The gabled roof, with its sloping shape and fewer joints, is particularly suitable for this.
This design also allows snow to slide off naturally, preventing the weight of the snow from accumulating on the roof. As a result, it is commonly used in regions with heavy snowfall.
Thanks to its excellent ventilation and resistance to rain and snow, the gabled roof is well-suited to Japan’s climate, which varies greatly across the four seasons.
2) Yosemune roof (hipped roof)
Yosemune roof (hipped roof) has slopes on all four sides, with the surfaces coming together at the ridge, which is why it's called "Yosemune" (hipped roof). This style has often been used for prestigious buildings, such as temples.
Additionally, the four-sided roof offers the advantage of better protection for the walls from wind and sunlight. For this reason, it has been commonly used in areas prone to typhoons, near the sea, or in regions with little snowfall.
The sturdy, grounded appearance of the hipped roof makes it suitable for withstanding Japan's varied climate. Its elegant design gives a calm and refined impression, whether it's used in traditional Japanese-style homes or more Western-style houses.
3) Irimoya roof
Irimoya roof combines features of both the gabled roof and the hipped roof. The upper part of the house features a gabled roof, while the lower part is a hipped roof. The name comes from the idea that the roof appears to be "inserted" into the main structure, called the "moya*." In some regions, this style is also referred to as "moya" or "moya-zukuri" and is commonly seen in castles, shrines, and temples.
Because the Irimoya roof consists of two overlapping roofs, it creates an impression of grandeur and dignity. The complex structure requires the skills of highly trained craftsmen to construct it.
*The moya in this context refers to the central part of the house.
Interior Features of Traditional Japanese Houses
Tatami
In traditional Japanese homes, the floors are often covered with tatami, mats woven from rush grass. The tatami in its current form dates back to the Heian period (794–1192), but at that time, they were not used to cover entire rooms. Instead, they were laid on wooden floors as bedding. It was only during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), when the shoin-zukuri architectural style became popular, that tatami began to be used to cover entire rooms.
Today, tatami is not only popular in Japan but has also gained recognition internationally alongside traditional Japanese architecture.
Tatami is not only a material with excellent moisture control and sound absorption, but it also provides cushioning, making it ideal for relaxing indoors. It’s especially suitable for homes with children, as the soft surface helps reduce the risk of injury.
Moreover, the gentle scent of the rush grass (igusa) has a calming effect, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the home, which is one of its greatest appeals.
Shoin-zukuri
An architectural style that includes a reception room called "shoin," used for formal meetings and negotiations.
Shōji and Fusuma
In traditional Japanese houses, shōji and fusuma are often used as sliding doors to partition rooms. They have been in use since the Heian period and were integrated into architectural designs that harmonised with nature at the time.
The difference between the two lies in their structure: shōji refers to a sliding door made of a wooden lattice frame covered on one side with thin, translucent washi paper. Fusuma, on the other hand, are sliding doors with a wooden frame covered on both sides with paper or cloth, and they often have handles and decorative edging.
The Role of Shōji
Shōji is often used inside window frames or along verandas, and is also commonly employed as room dividers. Since shōji consists of a wooden lattice with washi paper on one side, it allows sunlight to diffuse softly throughout the room. This creates a bright and pleasant atmosphere, while maintaining privacy by blocking the view from outside.
Additionally, when shōji is paired with a window, the air trapped between the window and the shōji acts as an insulating layer, helping to reduce the transmission of cold air from outside. This contributes to better thermal insulation in the home.
The Role of Fusuma
Fusuma is often used for sliding doors in oshiire (closets), butsuma (Buddhist altar rooms), as flexible partitions in washitsu (Japanese-style rooms), and also as a decorative element in interiors. Fusuma can be opened to create a large open space, or used to divide rooms for privacy, allowing for versatile use of the space. Unlike shōji, fusuma blocks sunlight, so it's rarely placed near windows.
Fusuma also has moisture-regulating properties. It absorbs moisture in humid conditions and releases it when the air is dry, helping to balance the indoor environment. Additionally, because fusuma consists of a frame covered with multiple layers of paper on both sides, it provides good insulation, helping to keep rooms warmer.
A Home in Harmony with Nature
Traditional Japanese houses are built using natural materials such as wood, plaster, and diatomaceous earth. Wood, in particular, has been widely used as a building material since the Jomon period. To protect against heat and humidity, various techniques have been developed over time, such as improving ventilation. These innovations represent the accumulated wisdom and ingenuity required to live comfortably in modern wooden houses.
Because traditional Japanese houses make extensive use of natural materials, they embody a deep respect for traditional building methods. These homes allow humans to coexist with nature and experience it through all five senses.
Doma (Earthen Floor)
In a traditional Japanese house, doma refers to an indoor space without wooden flooring where people can walk with their shoes on. It is usually located between the entrance and the living area, where shoes are removed. In the past, it was used in farmhouses as a practical space for tasks that could be done without concern for dirt. It served as a resting place for farm workers, a storage area for farming tools and vegetables, a cooking space with a kamado (traditional stove), and a place to store items like pickles and miso.
In the past, tataki (a type of flooring) was often used, which was made by mixing soil with nigari (bittern, a byproduct of salt production). Although this style of flooring is rarely seen today, the concept of doma (an earthen floor) is being revisited in modern housing. Now, doma spaces are finished with materials like mortar or tiles to fit contemporary lifestyles and are often used in entrance areas, extending into the living space for a more open and functional design.
Kamado – A traditional cooking stove used for placing pots and cooking over an open flame below.
Engawa (veranda)
Engawa refers to the space between a washitsu (Japanese-style room) and the outdoor garden, consisting of a wooden walkway that extends from the edge of the building. It is a quintessential element of traditional Japanese houses, designed to connect the indoors with nature.
The engawa that surrounds the exterior of the building is known as nure-engawa (wet veranda), while the engawa located inside near windows or sliding doors is called kure-engawa (covered veranda).
Engawa serves not only to protect the interior from cold, heat, rain, and wind, but also acts as a transitional space that connects or separates rooms. Its design allows for views of the garden and the seasonal changes unique to Japan. Because it offers a gentle connection to the outside, engawa is an inviting space for casual visits and social interactions.
The Concept of Zen
The concept of Zen, which refers to a state of "having no disturbance in the mind," resonates with aspects of Japanese living. Zen originates from the Sanskrit term "Dhyana," which means to concentrate the mind and pursue truth.
This philosophy encourages individuals to reflect on themselves, eliminate the unnecessary, and appreciate all things. Prominent examples of Japanese culture that embody this idea include Japanese gardens and kare-sansui (dry landscape gardens).
In today's fast-paced world, filled with information and constant change, Zen represents a way of stepping away from the noise to focus on the essence of things. This concept prioritises a simple and refined style that values the elimination of excess, and it has been embraced not only in Japan but also internationally in interior design.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the charm of traditional Japanese houses. Each material used in these homes is valued, and the design is thoughtfully harmonised with nature. Through a deep respect for tradition and continuous experimentation to create comfortable spaces, Japanese architecture has evolved and refined itself from ancient times to the present day.
