Main Features of Traditional Japanese Architecture
Just like in the
modern movement,
traditional Japanese architecture has its own characteristics that set it apart, for example, have you ever heard what
washitsu means in the country’s architecture?
Well, it’s the term used for traditional Japanese houses! The word
washitsu refers to traditional Japanese rooms.
Washitsu refers to the interiors of traditional Japanese-style houses, as well as the elements that make them up. This is closely linked to
space optimization and reached its peak around the 7th century in the Asuka and Nara architecture
of ancient Japanese homes. Today,
many architects apply these traditional Japanese architectural practices when designing modern homes worldwide, combining Eastern and Western styles to achieve results that fascinate anyone,
while retaining a bit of the traditional Japanese house style.
Wood in Ancient Japanese Houses
Floors in traditional Japanese architecture have been made of wood for centuries, being the best option for these constructions.
In traditional Japanese houses, it’s not a random choice; various circumstances, such as
the constant earthquakes affecting the country, led to the preference for much lighter structures. Today, in
Japanese structures wood is not used extensively, as it was replaced by concrete and steel over time. Fortunately,
traditional Japanese architecture still makes use of it indoors, mainly due to its strong cultural significance.
Movable Walls in Ancient Japanese Structures
Have you ever seen those sliding panels on TV? That’s also
a key feature of traditional Japanese architecture. In
ancient Japanese houses, these movable walls are used to separate rooms, and there are two types:
fusuma and
shoji.
In ancient Japanese structures, fusuma are more common in palaces and temples, and can be recognized by the artwork painted on their surfaces. These dividers are sturdier and
do not let light through.
On the other hand, in ancient Japanese houses, shoji are used in homes as room dividers or as windows to the outside, mostly made from rice paper. They
complement the tatami, a traditional mat used to define the home’s floor spaces.
Natural Colors
In traditional Japanese houses, colors play a
very important role in traditional Japanese architecture, where
soft tones are used to harmonize with nature and highlight Japanese gardens, which are also spectacular
in ancient Japanese structures. Outdoor spaces feature a freer color palette.
No Ornamentation
It is rare to see Japanese architecture filled with ornamentation; instead, much more
minimalist styles were preferred. Historically, decoration in
traditional Japanese-style houses was limited to low tables and a few shelves, while the rest of their belongings were stored in
closets hidden by a shoji. The area of the house that was usually decorated is the
genkan, the
entrances following the washitsu style. Another detail in these homes is that
the floors were not tatami but made of ceramic, among other materials. A small space to store footwear was also an essential part of the genkan.
Deep Respect for Culture in Traditional Japanese Architecture
Although
traditional Japanese architecture was influenced in its time by Chinese architecture and other parts of Asia, and later by Western traditions, the people of Japan undeniably infused much of their culture into refined constructions, giving them the mysterious charm that characterizes
ancient Japanese houses.
Behind Pictures, Your Trusted Rendering Studio in Barcelona
What did you think of this brief guide on traditional Japanese architecture? Surely, many elements
of ancient Japanese structures reminded you of current design and architectural trends, such as the use of natural elements or
sustainability. If you are thinking about renovating your home inspired by
traditional Japanese house style, with its clear
washitsu, sliding doors to divide spaces, and large
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