Japanese house design
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09-25-2006, 05:49 AM,
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I have information on your mysterious house part. ^_^ ... Maybe. A friend of a friend finally was able to give this explanation, but she's not 100% sure, so it's possible that is for another use.
The way those old Japanese homes are built, the foundation is laid with the floor raised off of the ground. This helps prevent rot because minka and other such houses are usually made from completely natural materials and the house is actually torn down and used for fuel when a new one is built. It also helps cool the house in the summer. But there is a problem with fox and other animals getting under there and making nests. So she thinks it's a fence to keep animals away. I have a friend checking with another friend, too. So, if she says anything different, I'll let you know. I had a raccoon living in my attic before, but I can't imagine a fox under my feet! :eek:
Design Assistant
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09-25-2006, 09:17 PM,
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Thanks Kielanai!
I noticed thats it's only on certain Minkas that aren't completely on stilts so that helps with this theory. Also I've seen pictures where there are sometimes 2 or 3 of these "cubby-holes" so wood storage or bathtub heater seem overdone. Let me know if you get more info. I've had serious computer issues as of late so sorry for the delay on this house. hopefully this weekend. |
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09-25-2006, 10:09 PM,
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Minka Design
You're welcome. ^_^ Yeah, that adds to the animal theory if it's only partially open -- animals would love to nest in a place like that. About the hot bath theory, these houses usually didn't have baths. Water basins and baths were always in public bath houses or a separate bath house from the rest of the home. The only mizuya/ water room in the home was where water was brought from a well and stored in a barrel, often a room with a dirt or sunoko/ drainboard floor. But even then, mizuya was used kind of like a kitchen and laundry room, not a bath room. Because the home rotted easily, it was better to keep it as dry as possible, and of course tatami (floor mats) shred very easily so you have to be VERY careful what you put on them. Most likely, unless they were rich, people used sento or onsen (public bathing areas). These homes are still in use in a lot of places in Japan, but they're modernized now to include electricity and indoor water because they're not made with 100% natural materials anymore. I see them frequently in small towns and along the side of the road near rice fields, but I've only been inside the historic ones. I don't know much about them, but I've never seen a bath inside the actual home. I'll let you know if I hear more, though.
Design Assistant
(Check here for updates. Individual images change often.) My Oblivion Screenshots Collection |
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