The Japanese method of woodworking is considered to be one of the best ways to build homes.  The method specializes in the methods of post and beam style.  For furniture construction, they are skillfully crafted and emphasizes vertical and horizontal lines.

This Japanese way of building is very different from the modern western construction that we see here in the U.S.  I suppose this method takes more time, but it is one I think should be considered when constructing a new home.

Above are samples of Japanese method of connecting woods.  Photos here from Takumi Company.

The Takumi Company of Seattle, Washington has been in business since 1987.  They offer full design, engineering and construction services using the ancient tradition of Japanese woodworking.

Here is more information about some of the procedures gathered from the company:

“What happens is that solid wood pieces of large dimension, are precut in a workshop environment and carefully detailed with intricate joinery. Flat surfaces are then shaved smooth with hand planes.   These finished pieces are then taken to the jobsite, assembled like a large puzzle and firmly locked together with wedges and pins. After assembly, onsite work continues by first finishing the roof, then walls, floors and ceilings infilling within the Post and Beam framework. Much of the structural framework is left exposed giving the final product a unique beauty and sense of integrity adding dramatically to the overall design of the structure.” - Takumi Company

It is very much like a jigsaw puzzle that you put together.  Seems like a fun method of construction.  Of course I personally won’t be able to lift anything more then one small post at a time!  But I think it would be neat to see more homes being built this way.

Much of the work is accomplished with hand tools; saws and chisels for joinery, hand planes for finishing. The woods used are mostly cedars for beauty, durability and strength. Each piece of exposed wood is carefully selected, oriented for optimum strength and beauty then left natural without the application of heavy sealers or varnishes.

In many ways it is more environmentally friendly way to build as you are using less products.

For Japanese furniture design, Jtansu offers various styles.  Here is what they have to say about Japanese furniture, “although created primarily for function and portability, Japanese tansu furniture reflects equally the masterful craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility found in the finest Japanese art and design.”

Photo from Jtansu Furniture Company.  Lacquer Trunk, Naga Mouchi.  Price range from $1,500 to $3,500.  Quite expensive!

I like the style of building and some of the furniture,but I don’t really like the Japanese architecture too much.  There’s something austere about it.  Maybe it’s all the straight lines.  It’s the same with Japanese gardens for me too.  I always feel a bit empty when being in Japanese garden.  But it is a very Zen way of living and some people seem to love it.

The ideal thing for me is to have the house built with the Japanese method of construction but with a different architectural style.  Not that I will be building anything soon, but it’s better to be informed.