A Japanese timber-frame kominka renovation: Surprises behind the walls

A timber-frame skeleton

Continuing our akiya renovation, we take a look behind the walls of an old kominka (古民家 – old folk house) in Northern Japan. We are renovating our recently purchased akiya (空き家 – empty house) and were a little apprehensive to see the timber-frame structure underneath the surface. Thoughts of undetected water or insect damage danced in our heads! We had already demolished an outbuilding to find the foundation was invested with ants! We knew the structure was timber-framed, but we had not been allowed a full construction inspection before purchasing…

Quality, traditional Japanese timber-frame joinery!

We were very pleased to discover, as we had hoped, a quality Japanese timber-frame structure in very good condition! No water or insect damage! A close inspection revealed that the joints were hand-cut Japanese timber-frame joints and were in excellent shape! Although not ‘beautiful’ museum-quality joints, these timber-frame joints turned out to be a classical example of day-to-day Japanese joinery. Solid, simple, and very long-lasting. And a sound roof kept moisture from seeping in and spoiling the wood!

Recycled timbers

In addition, we made a pleasant discovery was made when we found that ‘our’ timber-frame kominka had been with recycled timbers itself! Back in the mists of time, an old Japanese builder had put together a house, or a barn, for his family and lived it through. Then, perhaps his son had used those timbers to build this house around 60 years ago. That family lived, grew up, and passed this old kominka down through time to us. Although we don’t know the full history of this family, we know there was joy and laughter! We have found several old children’s toys and tricycles, and even an old pair of child’s snow skis! So whatever that history was, there was life and love. We are humbled to be the ones to inherit that legacy and keep the sound of life alive in this old house!

A solid homeschooling base in Japan

Timber-frame joints in great condition, Japanese builder’s marks on the timbers themselves, and a quality construction by the old timers so very long ago left us with a wonderful base to renovate this old akiya into our homeschooling center in Japan!