Wood is the material for traditions and innovations
In Japan, wood is more than a practical choice for building; it is part of the culture and architectural history. Although traditions play a strong role in wood construction, there is also room for innovation.
Text: Anna Gustafsson Photos: Meiken Lamwood
Wood is important in Japanese architecture. It is a key material in many different kinds of buildings, from ancient temples and old farmhouses to suburban homes and modern commercial buildings. Although 78 per cent of Japan’s population of 127 million lives in urban areas, the popularity of wood in house construction shows no signs of diminishing. In 2022, about 480,000 new wood construction projects were started, making up over half of all new residential buildings in Japan.1 Kenichiro Tokuhisa , from ITOCHU Kenzai Corporation, notes a strong affinity for wooden houses among the Japanese. “The specific advantages of wood – including strength, workability and cultural significance – make it a widely used material in the construction of houses in Japan. Wood suits the traditional construction methods and the aesthetic preferences of Japanese architecture,” Tokuhisa says.
such as ceilings and floors as well as cabinets and other furniture. However, convention does not prevent innovation. Today, wood is being used in new ways, even in urban multi-storey buildings. The Ginza Takagi Building in Tokyo, opened 2023, is one example of a new type of wooden urban architecture, boasting an impressive 12 floors. Similarly, the 11-storey Port Plus wooden office building in Yokohama has received a lot of attention. Another innovative hybrid construction combining wood with other materials is the Nipro Hachiko sports stadium in Akita, northern Japan. The W350 Project in Tokyo, announced in 2018, will be the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper when it is completed in 2041.
Pine in posts and beams
The traditional construction method in Japan is post and beam. In this method, vertical posts and horizontal beams are used to construct a framework for a building. Although the post and beam construction method dates back at least 4,000 years, it is still commonly used in Japan. The strength of the post and beam framework allows more open interior spaces and flexible floor plans, both essential elements in Japanese architecture. The wooden posts and beams are often also highlighted by leaving them visible. Meiken Lamwood Corporation is a leading Japanese company in the engineered wood business. The company
Versatile building material
As a building material, wood fits Japan’s seasonal weather changes. Wooden buildings provide excellent ventilation for the hot summers and rainy season, and insulation for the cold winter months. The elasticity of wood is an important safety factor for earthquake-prone regions. Traditional elements such as sliding doors and changeable floor plans are easy to create in wooden houses. Many Japanese homes also have built-in wooden elements,
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