The Craftsmanship Behind Kyo-Machiya Houses 1

The Craftsmanship Behind Kyo-Machiya Houses

Kyo-Machiya houses are built using the traditional axial construction method and are supported by the skills of many craftsmen.

Traditional Construction Method
​Kyoto-Machiya houses are built using the traditional axial construction method. This method absorbs external forces such as earthquakes and typhoons through the tenacity of the entire structure, including the pillars, beams, wall penetrations, and earthen walls.
Conventional Construction Method
Today's mainstream construction methods are based on the concept of resisting external forces such as earthquakes and typhoons and preventing building deformation through the use of reinforced concrete and structural plywood walls.
*The enactment of the Building Standards Law in 1950 made it very difficult to construct a new building using the traditional construction method.

Traditional Construction Method

Pillar
The main vertical components to support a building. Near the center of the building are pillars called Daikokubashira and Kokubashira (Ebisu-bashira).

" Nuki" (Penetration)
A horizontal timber that passes through between vertical components such as columns for the purpose of reinforcing the installation and processing of wall claddings.

​“Hari" (Beam)
A major horizontal beam used to support a building. Depending on the location, it is called a "Hitomi-hari" (a human beam), "Nobori-hari" (a climbing beam), "Jimune-hari" (a ground beam), or "Gawatsunagi-hari" (a side-connecting beam).

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"Hitotsu Ishi" (One Stone)
A cornerstone placed under a pillar. One stone is placed for each pillar.