High-Lux - Report Why Timber Is Important in Edo Architecture
High-Lux - Report Why Timber Is Important in Edo Architecture
High – Lux
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES........................................................................................ 11
2. EXAMPLES ..............................................................................................................13
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................16
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 1
The Edo era (1603–1867) is frequently seen as the source of "traditional" Japanese
architecture. Chaos reigned throughout the previous Sengoku ("warring states") era
(1467–1615). Contrarily, the next Edo or Tokugawa era had a calm social order, an
isolationist foreign policy, and a highly homogenized and stable feudal system under the
military authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate. (Edmunds, 2022)The stability of the Edo
era led to the development and development of several social issues. This contributed to
improvements in architecture, art, and culture generally across the nation. Japan and the
entire globe have been greatly influenced by the Edo period's values.
During Japan's Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established Edo (now Tokyo) as
its capital, constructing a fortified city that housed state administration buildings and
residences for provincial daimyōs. Edo rapidly expanded, with a population of one
million by 1700. The limited residential space led to the construction of multi-story
underwent refinement during this period. Typically situated on narrow plots, these houses
featured workshops or shops on the ground floor. The roofs were tiled, and exposed
timbers were often plastered to enhance fire resistance. (Parent, Machiya, 2011) Grand
structures showcasing the wealth and power of feudal lords were also built, such as the
Edo experienced devastating fires, and the 1657 Great Fire of Meireki prompted
changes in urban design. Stone embankments were initially built to contain fires but were
later replaced with dōzō storehouses, acting as firebreaks and storage spaces. These
storehouses had timber frames coated with layers of earthen plaster and featured tiled
roofs. (Itoh, 1973) Stone and brick construction, advocated by Japanese who had studied
with the Dutch, was not pursued due to earthquake vulnerability. (Itoh, 1973) Machiya
and storehouses from this period often had black-colored plaster walls achieved by adding
India ink to burnt lime and crushed oyster shell. (Parent, Edoguro, 2011)
The clean lines of Edo's civil architecture influenced the sukiya style of residential
buildings. Notable examples include the Katsura Detached Palace and Shugaku-in
Imperial Villa in Kyoto. Sukiya architecture featured simple lines, natural wood, and
minimalist decor. (Bussagli, 1989) This style extended beyond villas to ryōtei (Japanese-
style restaurants) and chashitsu (tea houses), and later incorporated residential structures.
(Sukiya-zukuri, n.d.)
walls, structural columns, and roof is traditionally made from timber due to the
abundance of wood and also because of its resistance to earthquakes, harsh climate, and
other natural disasters. The natural beauty of wood texture is kept exposed and not
covered by paint. In other buildings, nails are avoided to fix wooden beams and columns
in the structure, instead, pieces are interlocked together by a method called tokyō. (Toki,
2021) External walls are often finished with the use of clay and bamboo architecture.
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 3
During the Edo period, the Japanese utilized wood in various innovative ways in their
architecture.
Columns, beams, walls, and roofs were constructed using wooden frames and planks.
These buildings frequently have open layouts with walls and sliding timber doors to
create adaptable and practical areas. For instance, Gassho-zukuri, which means
"constructed like hands in prayer," is distinguished for its large roofs. They were
built with tall thatched roofs that imitated the pressed-together hands of Buddhist
monks. To endure the weather, the architectural layout evolved throughout time. The
gassho-zukuri roofs were built of wood and were nailed-free to allow for a
considerably greater attic area, for example, for raising silkworms (Yasuka, 2015).
During the Edo period, wood was frequently employed in the construction of
temples and shrines. Worship halls and other structures were constructed using
wooden frames and columns. Decorative sculptures and door panels in the classic
style were also made of wood. Shinto, a religion that originated in ancient Japan
was based on the reverence of nature. Its followers considered wood to be sacred
and looked upon it as a symbol of life. (Chrispy, 2012) Because of that, to reflect
the Japanese people's loyalty and respect for their religion, temples and shrines in
Japan were erected mostly of wood during the Edo era under the influence of Shinto.
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 4
The construction of palaces and castles occupied by feudal lords and daimyo
also made use of wood. Back to history, Ieyasu- The first Shogun of Edo Period
started to work on constructing a massive castle that would serve as his place of
administration after deciding to rule from Edo. He was following the example
Hideyoshi, who constructed castles in Osaka and close to Kyoto. The Tokugawa
shogunate had power over around 30% of Japan's land under the terms of the political
agreement that resulted from the Battle of Sekigahara, with the other 70% remaining
in the hands of various daimyo families. Ieyasu didn't have faith in these daimyo,
masses of stone, timber and other goods were shipped to Edo from all around Japan.
(Squires, 2022) It seems sense that an Edo-period castle was constructed using wood
as the primary material given the significant amount of timber that had been seized.
Ieyasu's influence wasn't the only thing that led many daimyo to utilize wood for their
homes.
Wood was used to build public buildings including stores, stadiums, wooden
column (symbolizing the rites of tree worship), and timber brackets (which allowed
characteristics changed as a result of specific issues. For instance, the elevated floor
(yuka) protected the wood from the wetness of the soil and allowed for airflow that
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 5
kept it in good condition. (Kennedy, 2017) For these buildings, wood offered the
The Japanese home design aesthetic is a discipline that has strong ties to
culture, nature, and tradition. Many of the essential components that make up
Shoji and Fusuma : Shoji and Fusuma, respectively, which are movable
screens and sliding doors, are typical elements of traditional Japanese architecture.
These elements contribute to fusing the inner and external spaces together. Japanese
homes often don't include glass, thus the screens are constructed of paper to enable
homes. It is a little space directly outside the entrance door of the home or flat where
you take off your shoes before entering. To keep dirt out of the main household
space, genkan is often sunken (lower than the main floor). There aren't many homes
that you can go into with shoes on. When you get home from the outside, remove
your shoes at the genkan and put on indoor slippers before going inside. (WeXpats,
2023). These Genkan usually make of wood because of its durability, not moldy as
wooden veranda that wraps around the building's external walls. This design
establishes a link between the home and the outside world. Typically, an engawa is
supported by a row of posts that resemble those around the exterior and inside of
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 6
the building, with the shoji in the middle. (SEFERIAN, 2022) Hinoki wood is
typically used to make engawa because it is sturdy but simple to carve the looms
in Edo Period.
When fires were so often historically, why did the Japanese construct virtually
evidenced by the stringent present fire mitigation rules. The most common natural disasters,
it seems, were not what motivated traditional Japanese construction styles. Mold, earthquakes,
and typhoons, in that order, were the three additional issues that needed to be addressed right
away. (Kohtz, Wood, Mold, and Japanese Architecture, 2016) In spite of the disasters, timber
has significant advantages that lead the Edo people to choose it as their main construction
material.
1. Abundance of resources:
There are many different types of trees in Japan, including s cypress, hinoki, and palm
trees. This variety offered a considerable supply of timber for building needs. Natural wood
is a form of wood that is directly taken out of the environment or from forested regions in
compliance with the law. After just 40 to 60 years of development, common wood species
including cryptomeria, cypress, and pine are usually available for harvesting and usage.
Particularly resistant to mildew and insects, cypress and cryptomeria provide excellent
construction materials for the humid environment of Japan. (Kohtz, Wood, Mold, and
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 7
Japanese Architecture, 2016) When a tree is grown and ready to be harvested, it has a
strong, firm trunk, guaranteeing that it satisfies the requirements for building and interior
design.( (Kohtz, The most common natural woods in Japanese architecture, 2023) .In Japan,
Wood is divided into three main features : Common Wood – easy to grow, grows quickly
and easy to harvest, Premium Wood – Relatives rare with beautiful wood grains and colors
and their long lifespan, Rare Wood – Difficult to grow and grow slowly, often use in
can endure loads and withstand external elements including wind, rain, and temperature.
The humidity can remain around 70% for weeks at a time, especially during the hot summer
months, while temperatures rarely fall below 0 or reach beyond 35°C, creating an excellent
temperature zone for growth. When the rainy season starts, mold has the potential to cause
real damage. By lifting the structure above the ground and keeping the majority of the walls
open, traditional wooden construction resisted mold by allowing air to freely circulate
under, around, and through the whole interior area. For instance,buildings older than 300
years that remain in their original condition are typically only "lightly inhabited," with
scant amounts of furniture and other fixtures. (Kohtz, Wood, Mold, and Japanese
Architecture, 2016).
Secondly, recurring typhoons' powerful winds and downpours are still another
compelling reason to construct wood. The use of very deep overhanging eaves to protect
walls is encouraged by frequent heavy rain, whereas the answer to strong winds was the
construction of substantial roofs that wouldn't fly off. Without an intricate wood structure,
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 8
especially without access to metal bracing and fasteners, heavy, cantilevered roofs are
stone or brick walls to withstand typhoons. However, this is risky and unworkable in a
(Not to mention the fact that during the rainy season, uninsulated masonry or concrete
walls can actually weep with humidity.The majority of the timber framework in a
traditional Japanese wooden building is visible. This means that any water entrance, such
as one caused by a leaking roof, may be quickly found and fixed before mold has a chance
Thirdly, main benefit of using timber for construction is its resilience to earthquakes.
Traditional all-timber joints can absorb a large portion of the lateral energy of an
earthquake because they are flexible. This makes it possible for a structure with a hefty
roof but no solid walls to hold firm even during violent shaking. Many old timber structures
in Japan are built like a chair made of wood, with support pillars that aren't attached to any
walls connecting them at the top where the roof rests and at the bottom with bracing. This
makes it possible to support a dynamic, top-heavy weight safely. (Kohtz, Wood, Mold, and
Moreover, Metal fasteners had a limited role in building during the Edo era because
shogunate. The evolution of Japanese all-wood joinery was largely influenced by this, even
after steel became widely accessible. However, unless put in properly cured wood and
shielded from air contact, metal fasteners cannot compare to the lifespan of all-wood joints.
They can become loose in improperly cured wood due to seasonal shrinkage and expansion
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 9
of the surrounding material, and in Japan's humid environment, they are vulnerable to quick
oxidation when exposed to the air. On the other hand, as the wood matures and its cells
solidify, an all-wood joint becomes stronger. Wood joints can still be structurally sound
decades after they were first built, according to studies. In general, wood continues to get
stronger 200–300 years after being cut. After then, strength progressively decreases, but it
takes around a thousand years for a thoroughly cured wood beam to lose all of its strength
and return to the state it was in when it originally logged. (Kohtz, Wood, Mold, and
3. Insulating properties:
Because of its great thermal insulation capabilities, wood helps to keep indoor
temperatures steady. In the tropical environment of Japan, this is very significant. Heavy
timbers and suitable airflow were generally used in the construction of private homes. They
had plenty of air movement even when closed off from the outside elements since relative
humidity may be high even in the winter. This airflow was provided by gaps between
wooden shutters and paper doors, between walls and the roof, and commonly by a totally
open smoke outlet. With so much ventilation, traditional Japanese dwellings were only
somewhat pleasant in the summer but quite awful in the winter. A tiny price to pay for
preventing mildew, though, was supposedly layering up and having chilblains on your
4. Design flexibility:
Because wood is so easily shaped, molded, and twisted into various sizes and forms,
Flexibility in design was a defining feature of Edo wood architecture. During this
time, architects were allowed to experiment and design distinctive buildings that
expressed both their aesthetic vision and the necessities of their clients.
The capacity to adjust to various site circumstances was one example of architectural
flexibility in Edo wood architecture. Because wood was used as the main building
material, structures could be erected on a variety of surfaces, including slopes and uneven
ground. To take into account the unique features of the site, architects might modify the
The variety of architectural patterns and styles was another factor. There were many
opulent temples and palaces. Whether it was a residential, commercial, or religious space,
architects had the freedom to create structures that matched the building's purpose and
Decorative features and detailed details, such as elaborate carvings, latticework, and sliding
doors, might be included in architectural designs. These elements not only enhanced the
aesthetic appeal of the building but also served functional reasons including granting
For the purpose of protecting and promoting Japanese cultural heritage, Edo
Overall, Edo wood architecture gave designers the ability to experiment with many
design options and produce buildings that were both useful and aesthetically pleasing.
utilization of conventional carpentry methods all led to the wide range of inventive ideas
The architecture of Japan has influenced other countries in terms of form and wood
processing techniques, but there are differences in the functional arrangement and cultural
values in each design. European countries may seek simplicity and minimalism in design
natural wood materials. In addition, Japan has a long-standing and unique tradition of
wooden construction. Techniques such as tight wooden structures and wood joinery have
been applied in Japanese wooden architecture. These techniques have been studied and
experimented with by European architects and have influenced architectural styles in the
region. Therefore, some countries have applied wooden architectural designs in both
private and public constructions, such as Sweden: Sweden has a long-standing tradition
of using wood in architecture. Swedish red wooden houses are famous for their simple
design, natural materials, and integration with nature. Wooden architecture is also widely
used in the construction of public buildings such as churches and bridges. (Vuong, 2018)
architecture in the United States. Traditional wooden houses, such as Cape Cod style
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 12
houses, have become iconic symbols of the United States. The United States is also
influenced by traditional wood: Some traditional wooden houses of Native Americans use
local woods such as tulip tree, oak, or redwood. These houses are often simple in design,
with a gable roof and rectangular windows. Traditional wooden architecture is often
found in rural and mountainous areas of the United States. In the Midwest and Western
United States, wooden architecture is often spacious and open to accommodate harsh
weather conditions. Houses in this region are often large, multi-story, and use local wood
The influence of wooden architecture in Japan began early and reached its peak of
development through each stage in the future, while also giving birth to many famous
wood architects. First, the Edo architecture left behind unique artworks and rich
(Machiya), shrines, temples, pagodas, and castles were built with precision and respect
for nature and local culture. Following the Edo period, Japan underwent significant
changes with industrial and technological development. However, they still maintained
the principles of traditional architectural design and used elements of Edo architecture in
typical modern structures such as using traditional construction techniques like "between
two points of difference" "connecting with wood without using nails," and "gradating
space by creating light and landscape." These techniques have created unique
architectural works such as temples, shrines, and castles. Moreover, in modern Japanese
architecture, we can see the inheritance from Edo architecture through the use of wood,
open architecture, and minimalism. Modern architecture still respects nature and uses
Edo architecture, such as balance and good integration between indoor and outdoor
spaces, are also applied in modern architecture. It helps create a good living environment
for people and a balance between humans and the environment. With the combination of
tradition and modernity, present-day Japanese architecture reflects the harmony between
the past and the future, creating a distinctive and unique architectural style. (Tram, 2022)
awerness. The use of wood as a sustainable and renewable material is emphasized in Edo
architecture, which is in line with current concerns about resource conservation and the
sustainability of the environment. The Edo period's strategy for using nearby wood
friendly building methods today.Moreover, Wooden structures from the Edo era have
been the subject of attempts to conserve and improve them as a consequence of their
historical and cultural value. This preservation work serves as an example of the resilience
2. Examples
These buildings primarily use wood because wood has specific advantages, including:
sustainability allows for multiple reuses, reducing the use of non-renewable materials
such as concrete and steel, thus protecting the environment. (VSCHOOL, 2022)
• Flexibility in design: With its ability to be cut, bent, and processed flexibly, wood can
be shaped into various forms and sizes suitable for different needs. (VSCHOOL, 2022)
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 14
concrete and steel. Its main component, cellulose, provides good thermal insulation,
keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. (DTS, 2020)
• Sound absorption (acoustic wood): By using simple wood panels, drilling straight
holes can create evenly sized and sharp sound-absorbing holes, or if grooved, the back
surface is perforated while the front surface is grooved to specific dimensions. From
holes are produced. All sound-absorbing wood products are manufactured on modern
• Interaction with nature: Wood interacts well with light, space, and other elements,
creating a comfortable, intimate, and cozy atmosphere for occupants. (Hồng, 2021)
• Elegance and tradition: Wood is a traditional and esteemed material in Japanese culture.
Using wood in architecture helps create culturally valuable and sophisticated structures
material ensures safety and enables people to easily cope with adverse situations.
Japanese wooden houses are not only aesthetically pleasing but also extremely durable,
capable of standing strong for hundreds of years, withstanding any seismic shocks.
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 15
In conclusion, Japanese architecture had a considerable boom during the Edo century (1603–
1868). Wooden architecture flourished at this time, producing one-of-a-kind and exquisite
pieces of art. Edo-era wooden architecture is characterized by its refinement and delicacy in
design and construction. Timber plays a significant part in Edo architecture. Traditional
and distinctive designs. These buildings frequently had curving roofs, doors, and windows
with wooden frames and traditional paper decorations, which produced a pleasing balance
and contrast. The principles of traditional Japanese architecture served as the foundation for
Edo-era timber building, which also integrated elements of Chinese and European
architectural styles. Not only was wooden building beautiful throughout this period, but it
also had profound cultural value. It demonstrated the harmony and firmness of wood, as well
as the contrast and balance of design aspects. To this day, Edo-period wooden building is still
References
and Faber.
Chrispy. (2012, October 19). Timber in Japan’s religious architecture . Retrieved from
https://chrispythoughts.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/558/
DHG. (2021, 4 31). Gỗ tiêu âm là gì? Vì sao gỗ tiêu âm lại được ưa chuộng nhất hiện nay.
gi-vi-sao-go-tieu-am-lai-duoc-ua-chuong-nhat-hien-nay
Discovery, J. E. (n.d.). HƯỚNG DẪN Kiến trúc Nhật Bản Đơn giản và được thiết kế hợp lý
- Nhật Bản là nơi tràn đầy cảm hứng kiến trúc. Retrieved from
https://www.japan.travel/vi/guide/japanese-architecture/
DTS. (2020, 12 15). Nét độc đáo trong kiến trúc nhà gỗ Nhật. Retrieved from DTS Software
Vietnam: https://dtsvn.com/net-doc-dao-trong-kien-truc-nha-go-nhat/
Edmunds, M. (2022, June 6). The Evolution of Edo Architecture. Retrieved from THE 1440
REVIEW: https://1440review.com/2022/06/06/edo-
architecture/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=sms&utm_campaign=edo-architecture.
Hồng, N. (2021, 3 19). Vì sao người Nhật thích đưa gỗ vào nhà? Retrieved from Dân Trí:
https://dantri.com.vn/bat-dong-san/vi-sao-nguoi-nhat-thich-dua-go-vao-nha-
20210315225325537.htm
Itoh, T. (1973). Kura – Design and Tradition of the Japanese Storehouse. Tokyo, Japan:
Kodansha International.
Kennedy, C. (2017, June 15). The Magic of Trees: Architecture and Woodworking in Japan.
https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/blog/2017/6/14/the-magic-of-trees-
architecture-and-woodworking-in-
japan#:~:text=Since%20ancient%20times%2C%20wood%20has,the%20gods%20de
scended%20to%20earth.
Kohtz, A. (2016, October 25). Wood, Mold, and Japanese Architecture. Retrieved from
nippon.com: https://www.nippon.com/en/views/b02314/
Kohtz, A. (2023, May 29). The most common natural woods in Japanese architecture.
natural-woods-in-japanese-architecture/#What_is_natural_wood
Parent, M. N. (2011, May 18). Edoguro. Retrieved from Japanese Architecture and Art Net
Parent, M. N. (2011, May 18). Machiya. Retrieved from Japanese Architecture and Art Net
SEFERIAN, D. (2022, May 24). Japanese Architecture and Interior Design - Explained.
and-interior-design-explained/
Squires, G. (2022, November 20). Edo Castle. Retrieved from World History Encyclopedia:
https://www.worldhistory.org/Edo_Castle/
https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%95%B0%E5%AF%84%E5%B1%8B%E9%80%A0
%E3%82%8A-301970
Why Timber is important in Edo Architecture 18
elements-of-japanese-architecture
Tram, B. (2022, April 21). Kỹ thuật kiến trúc gỗ truyền thống Nhật Bản: Di sản văn hoá phi
thong-nhat-ban-di-san-van-hoa-phi-vat-the/
VSCHOOL, A. (2022, 10 06). Ứng Dụng Của Gỗ Trong Kiến Trúc Và 7 Lợi Ích Bất Ngờ
Có Thể Bạn Chưa Biết. Retrieved from Công Ty Thiết Kế Trường Học Vschool:
https://thietketruongquocte.vn/ung-dung-cua-go-trong-kien-truc/
Vuong, Q. (2018, November 02). Đặc Trưng của Kiến Trúc nhà gỗ của Châu Âu - kiểu kiến
truc-nha-go-chau-au-kieu-kien-truc-doc-dao-tren-the-gioi
WeXpats. (2023, January 11). A Look at Japanese Traditional Architecture. Retrieved from
https://we-xpats.com/en/guide/as/jp/detail/11267/
Yasuka. (2015, May 11). THE JAPANESE MINKA HOMES. Retrieved from KCP
International: https://www.kcpinternational.com/2015/05/the-japanese-minka-homes/