" Minka " unique Japanese traditional house

Japanese traditional house

1. Definition of Minka (民家)
 Home people of Japan called 民家 (Minka), which literally means house of the people. Minka house is the common name with traditional architecture, and is the residence of the people instead of the people in power (residence of farmers, artisans, and merchants). These houses had been there before the end of 1800. The architectural beauty Minka lies in the harmony between the shape of the building materials used such as soil, wood, and stone, which comes from the mountains and forests that surround the house. Traditional Japanese house consists of some of the main room, which washitsu (multipurpose room that can be used as a living room, a bedroom and a family room), genkan (entrance area), kitchen and washiki (toilet).Minka also has a diversity of architectural style of the building, linked to the demands of the local geography, climate, and industry. So that every region in Japan has a distinctive architectural style, such as:- Minka in northern JapanMinka in northern Japan region, generally have a steep ridge of thatched and there is only a small window in the ridge. This is an adjustment to the long winter and snow that much. It is also designed specifically for the purpose of maintaining silkworms.- Minka in South JapanMinka in Japan's southern region, generally consists of a group of houses that are relatively small, low with elevated floor in order to obtain the maximum ventilation and reduce the dangers of typhoon winds.2. History of Minka
 In ancient Japan, there are two types of houses. The first is what is known as the home of the underground. The second rise above the soil surface. Style house with a high floor is said to have come to Japan from Southeast Asia, and the type of building apparently used to store food grains and other so it will not be damaged because of hot and humid.Evolution of Architecture and Interior StyleIt's important to understand the evolution of architectural styles to understand how interior evolved too. From the Heian period through mid-Edo Period (792 - 1750) there are three major residential architectural syles which evolved: shinden-zukuri, shoin-zukuri, and Sukiya-zukuri.Shinden-zukuriDwelling nobles who first appeared in the Heian period is shinden-zukuri style. Shinden take the example of temple worship space Budha.Ini taken from the Tang dynasty watrical bisymme structure. The hallways are connected to each other by alleys roofed. Shinden style interior as well as worship space that is open except for a pole bulat.Pusat main room called Moya and surrounded by two sets of pillars. This space contains byobu, reed blinds, and curtains Sudare, Kicho. wood plank flooring. There is a small room called nurigome used for sleeping or storage. This style is used by the nobles and high-ranking samurai through the middle of the 15th century when we look at a painting Tale of Genji we can see shinden-zukuri style. Currently there are no older examples of this style, which can be found nearby is the 19th century version of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.Shoin-zukuriArchitectural styles hereinafter referred shoin-zukuri style. shoin originally the name given to the abbot residence in a Zen temple. Shoin means library or study. The oldest example zukuri is Dojinsai space in Togudo at Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). This small room was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1486. ​​The style of style shinden shoin evolved over two centuries. Shoin style eventually becomes large and the setting is intended for the greatness of the feudal warlords. Utilization pillar square cut (as opposed to the round style shinden) allowed sills and lintels to be easily installed between them. This, in turn, expand the way the interior space can be partitioned through the use of shoji and fusuma panels. Tatami is used to cover the entire floor area and some more than one hundred tatami rooms in various sizes. An example of that is the style shoin is Ninomaru Hall of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Shoin mature style combines all the elements. Getting to know the traditional Japanese interior: shoji, fusuma, tatami as floor covering, tokomona, chigaidana, and tsukeshoin.Sukiya-zukuriThe architectural style of the last house is Sukiya-zukuri. Sukiya style comes from the tea ceremony, Sukiya word actually refers to the buildings in which performed the tea ceremony. Sukiya style that developed from the Azuchi-Momoyama period and style shoin, it is in direct contrast and a superb setting of-shoin zukuri. In Sukiya, the smaller and simpler regarded as the best design. Some tea cottage consists of six tatami. Merger of Sukiya with shoin developed into Sukiya-zukuri. This style is a style that is popular with citizens who live in the mid to late Edo period (1750 -1867) .It is also a style that has contributed to the Japanese life space. The classic example is a Sukiya-zukuri Katsura Imperial Villa (Separated Palace) was built in the mid 1600s.Edo period took place around the year 1600-1868 when Japan under the influence and Sogun close relationship with the Western world. The decision was reflected in the pattern of development of a small town along the Nakasendo, one of which can be seen in the ancient village of Tsumago are building their home was evident dominated style of traditional Japanese architectural style of the Edo. Several small street gang also be very interesting to follow because of the way we can see the small Japanese style garden in the backyard and the front area of ​​the house. The park is equipped with a natural stone pool is equipped bonsai, water fountain of bamboo and other bamboo crafts add to the appeal of this region.Among the paths, there are many houses that show the exterior of the Japanese-style garden. Parks not only in front but also behind the house. These gardens decorated many natural rock pools along with bonsai, water fountain of bamboo and bamboo crafts. Stepping inside, we will see the main building made of boards. If we look further, board houses is synonymous with the activities of Japanese citizens ages eyed Shogun searches farming, trade, and business services. Japanese roofs are generally crushed stone to resist in order not to fly in the wind. The roof is equipped with gutters on the side, which serves to channel water to the ground. Gutters are made from bamboo that show ingenuity and technical elements builders thought the Edo period. Room with a dirt floor, tatami, and natural stone foundations were crushed wood building materials is also one special characteristic. Construction is simple, by applying the principle of "the fewer, the better". This principle has been absorbed in the art of modern architecture.
 The walls of Japanese homes tend to be plain with haris geometric lines. The walls are built of thin, almost immaterial. Even the paper was still used for the walls of the room. Unsafe indeed and very cold in winter, but it was made to make the occupants remain at one with nature. The walls, floors, and ceilings left plain without any frills. The only decoration is just game stripes and plaid straight. In the main room where the reception, made a small stage walled retreat as a sacred place. This section is a focal point of psychological self-orientation of the house owner, called tokonoma. There are several paintings of landscapes or flowers, but sometimes painting was replaced with a beautiful display of the art of calligraphy, contains poems or poetry mengandug wisdom or knowledge of cultural values. Traditional Japanese house plans are divided into spaces as simple as a box-shaped or square. This simplicity is reflected in a minimalist design that is much loved today. But in reality, the famous architectural culture has actually been done for centuries by architects Shinto era.
 Housing continues to grow in the Meiji era (1868-1912) Some cities have houses built in the style of tortoise-zukuri, which features Japanese exterior made of fireproof material, usually have a long corridor through the middle of the house with rooms on each side, is said to combine foreign culture house style favored by samurai.3. Building Materials Minka (民家)
 Building materials were used, among others, large wooden beams to the main mast home and skeletons important from the frame of the house. Wood is also used for walls, floors, ceilings, and roof ridge. Bamboo is used to coat the empty spaces between the wooden wall and then coated with clay to be used as a flat wall. The clay was also burnt into the tile.Certain types of grass used as a roof, while the rice crop straw is used for coarse woven into mats called Mushiro, and fine mats called tatami, which was held over a rough mat. Limited boulders used for foundations of houses, was never used as a wall.4. Design Typical Minka (民家)4.1. Washitsu
 Washitsu is a tatami room in traditional Japanese buildings. There are several streams in preparing the tatami as flooring. Of the amount used may be known tatami square footage of the room. Washitsu of a number that is in the building (house), there is one major washitsu. Each room can be a living room, dining room, study or bedroom. This is possible because all the necessary furniture is portable, which is stored in oshiire (a small part of the house used for storage). Washitsu functions change depending on the household appliance that is used. Washitsu turned into a study room table when placed. Washitsu into the bedroom when placed futon (mattresses to sleep). Washitsu issued when a large table to be used for banquets. There are two kinds of objects Dapa used to provide barriers to washitsu, the fusuma and shoji. Fusuma is rectangular shaped panels are mounted vertically on the rails of wood, can be opened or closed by means driven. Its usefulness as a sliding door or room divider in washitsu. As with shoji, fusuma installed between the rails of wood, called kamoi upper rail and bottom rail called shikii. The framework is made of wood and both side surfaces coated with washi, cloth (natural fibers or synthetic fibers), or vinil.Bila paper coating is damaged or simply want to change the atmosphere, the old paper can be removed and replaced with new paper. Both sides fitted hikite fusuma surface that serves as a door handle while pushing fusuma. The difference between the fusuma and shoji is impermeable to light fusuma shoji impenetrable while cahaya.Sandal home must be removed before entering washitsu. Washitsu form of tatami floor. Tatami is a kind of mat that comes from the Japanese traditionally made. Tatami is made of straw that has been woven, but today many tatami made of styrofoam. Tatami have a variety of shapes and sizes, and all around sewn with brocade cloth or plain green cloth. In the beginning, Tatami is a luxury item that can be owned by the rich. At that time most of the homes of the poor do not have the floor, but the mat. Tatami became popular 17th century.
4.2. Genkan
 One characteristic of Japanese homes is genkan. Genkan is a place where people take off their shoes. When they take off their shoes, people step up to the higher floors 40-50 cm (15-19 inches) of genkan. Besides genkan there is a rack or cabinet called Getabako where people can store their shoes. Slippers to wear at home is also stored there.
4.3. WashikiTraditional Japanese toilet (washiki) is also known as a squat toilet toilet Asia. Most squat toilets in Japan are made of porcelain. The toilet users in Japan the reverse of Indonesia where they face the wall behind the toilet in the picture seen on the right. Squat toilets are divided into two types: toilet located on the surface of the floor, and toilet are located on the floor is elevated approximately 30 cm
4.4.Daidokoro (kitchen)
 There are two types of traditional Japanese home kitchen, the first furnace and the second by hanging. Both ways are equally using firewood
4.5. ParkIn the Japanese garden is not known for straight lines or symmetrical. The Japanese garden is deliberately designed asymmetrically so that no single element becomes dominant. When there is a focal point, the focal point is shifted right so as not to be in Japan tengah.Taman large sized equipped with small buildings such as tea houses, gazebo, and building worship (temples). Among the buildings and gardens are sometimes constructed transitional spaces such as porches where people sit. From the homepage, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the park from a distance.
 Although the basic elements and principles underlying the design of the park can vary, certain themes can be found in various types of taman.Tema-common theme is a combination of basic elements such as rocks, small islands, and trees for symbolizes turtles and birds levels are both a symbol of longevity in Japan. The small island in the middle of the pond is built like the shape of a turtle or put the stone symbolizing the tortoise over the edge. Another popular theme is Mount Fuji or miniature landscapes popular in Japan. Japanese garden has a basic element among others. water (symbolizing purity and life), Crop (symbolizing eternity), and Stone (symbolizing nature). The stone is the most important element in the garden because it can be used to represent mountains, coastline, and waterfalls.Broadly speaking, Minka consists of:At the front of the house fitted with holes to fit the two layers of the door. Layers of the inner door (Shouji) in the form of sliding doors, with holes and covered with paper. While the door or front face ply in the form of a solid wood door.The inside of the house is divided into spaces separated by a sliding door lattice. The doors of this room dividers collectively, the tategu. The grille is covered thick paper translucent called fusuma.The existence of doma, which is one part of the house whose floor is made of clay that has been hardened. Doma mounted on a kind of oven for cooking made of clay (kamado). In addition, on this floor is also laid open fireplace (Irori) to burn wood heating.
 Minka roofMinka roofs often made steep, and usually made of thatch (Kayabuki Yane), shingles (itabuki Yane), or tile (kawarabuki Yane). Minka roof can be grouped into three forms, namely:-Kirizuma, Is the simplest type of roof that is triangular (gabled roof). This type of roof has two sides that go down from the main ridge beam (mune).-Yosumune, Is a type of roof that has a waist (hipped roofs). This type of roof is an outgrowth of kirizuma, because on both sides that the other side coupled with a sloping roof, and a taper-shaped ridge, but not flat.-Irimoya, Is a kind of roof-shaped three terms, with additional roof shaped slightly tilted in the vicinity, so that the space inside the house became widespread. In the house roof made of ceramic tile, tile is also fitted to the ends of the ridge, and to decorate the summit ridge tile installed a giant head-shaped end, called onigawara. At the grass-roofed house was also mounted on both corners decoration called munekazari.5. Types of Traditional Japanese House (Minka 民家)Minka come in various styles and sizes, mostly as a result of differences in geography and climate and lifestyle of the population, but most generally fall into one of two main groups: the farm house noka (农家) and machiya (町 屋). There is also a farmhouse style found fishing villages, called gyoka (渔家).Type of traditional Japanese house or this Minka, broadly consists of two kinds, namely:5.1. Farmhouse (農家 / Nouka)Arrangement of space in the house called madori Japanese. Standard floor plan home Japanese farmers from the beginning of the 19th century consists of four chambers, in addition to the main room that has a fireplace (doma). This division is called with Yamadori (setting four spaces). In the house of this kind there is a large sliding wooden doors called odo, to enter the main room. This is the main entrance door to enter the house of the farmer.- DomaDoma is a main room in Nouka. Doma take one third of house plans. Doma is a function of agricultural activities and cooking, so that the land available oven and washing areas made of wood that was set behind doma.There is also a fireplace measuring one square meter. The wood burned in the fireplace to heat the room, as well as illumination. The whole family gathered around the fireplace, especially at meal times.Besides doma, four spaces in Nouka are:-Two Room that is located closest to doma, used as a place to carry out the daily activities of the residents.Decorative small-space is called tokonoma. The room is attached to the wall of the front room which serves as a showcase of paintings or flowers.Front-space serves as a place to receive guests on the circumstances - formal circumstances. The living room is called the Zashiki or dei. In front of the living room, there are long and narrow foyer called Engawa.5.2. Urban house (Machiya)The limited area of ​​land in urban areas to make houses erected there tend to be rectangular.-In The back of the main room (Omoya) located space to store (turtle / dozou) property owned by the family. In addition to storing property can also be used Zashiki family, which is separate from the main room. To be able to enter this room, the door to the room doma made toward the backyard.- In the surrounding area there are three lines of space doma. Room closest to the road called mise. This is where the merchandise on display and trade transactions carried out. The space is located in the center, used as offices, and also a member of the family to receive guests. The space is located at the very rear facing enclosed garden. This space made to resemble Zashiki, complete with tokonoma, which serves as a place to perform daily activities of members of the household.- There is a room in the attic called zushi. This space consists of two parts, the part closest to the road has a low ceiling serves as a warehouse. The second part is the rear that is used as a bedroom.
6. Minka in Every Prefecture6.1. HokkaidoIn the district, the northernmost and coldest, the rice industry began about 300 years ago. In the Meiji era (1868-1912) a lot of people who come from other parts of the region in Japan and elsewhere to assist in the purification of rice or fields of work. These immigrants bring different cultures and styles of construction. As a result of the expansion and open trade, even western-style construction can be found.6.2. Aomori-KenThis region is heavily influenced by the atmosphere of feudalism. There are a lot of battles with local feudalists here, which in turn implement strict regulations on house building. Because the western and eastern regions have different climates, even within the same prefecture, then there are 2 types of buildings d this area. In Aomori, Minka located in the west (the Japan Sea coast) has a very sharp roof with Kemu-dashi (mini chimney) to remove the smoke from the cooking and the heating unit (Kamado and Irori). Instead, Minka in the east (coast of the Pacific Ocean) has a flat roof and simple without a chimney.6.3. Akita-KenMinka style here is Minka style with delightful harmony and a unique design in the form of a curved line. Architectural design researchers showed that the sophistication of Minka in this area can be explained. During the Edo era (1603-1867) the growing trade in the Japan Sea coast, mainly in the export of rice and seed hana (Red Dye). With a wealth of factors, special designers and architects builders were brought from the city of Kyoto to produce new works of art.6.4. Iwate-KenWithin 1,000 years this area has been known for a very good horse. This is known as the "Iwate-ken-grown horse". Many homes are designed with wings at an angle of 90 degrees to allow the horses to live with family. The house is very special so-called "Nanbu / indentation home" (Nanbu into districts prefecture in homes as usual). Lewae Minka building we can know, look how much love from the owner of the house in giving affection for their horses and how they treat these animals as part of the family.6.5. Niigata-KenMinka in the prefecture is possible condition when there kecang wind, snow and cold. In winter, the area is not protected by mountains. Therefore this prefecture facing the cold wind straight from Siberia. This happens because the Niigata is located in the central part of the main island of Japan and received the heaviest snow, reaching 7 meters. With the snow so thick, modifications in the homes, including the entrance of the second floor, narrow windows, and pools around the house used for the disposal of snow.6.6. Sattaima, Gunma, Yamanashi-KenThis is a prefecture that produce silk, starting from the end of the Edo period (1603-1867) to Meiji-era (1868-1912) and Taisho era (1912-1926). Minka has been modified to conform with the maintenance of the house silkworms and subsequent processing of raw silk. The most important of these is the draft Minka has good ventilation and sufficient sunlight. The houses in this area shows the emphasis in homes where the silk is the main way to earn a living.6.7. Gifu-KenThis area is a mountainous area in the side that has been designated as "world heritage site". Maintenance caterpillars also do here, but due to limited land, due to customary conducted in homes as large as a big family, because there are laws prohibiting additional buildings. A large home may have to accommodate 2 to 3 generations together under one roof. Although most of the buildings in the form of wooden houses in this area even has a height of up to 4 to 5 meters. Because of this high Minka referred to as "Gasho-Zukuri". Therefore, many people who recognize and conclude that this is what has produced the most beautiful Minka style in Japan.6.8. Kyoto-FuAlthough the area is small, Japan's capital during the period of greatest cultural development, Kyoto, is an area that is rich and powerful in its architecture. Thus Minka are some of the most beautiful building, including in the world. Spared from the bombings of World War II, Minka beauty can still be seen in a city full of art.6.9. Nara-KenInside there are City Nara Prefecture, an ancient capital of Japan 1500 years ago (before Kyoto). Nara at that time called the "Yamato", a name that also means all the nation of Japan. In particular roof of the house was added in the construction of the building (Yamato Mune) that are not found elsewhere in Japan. The construction of the roof ridge can be found as well in mainland China and Korea and likely to come from the area. During the medieval embankment dug around a big house or around the village to protect it from attacks from other gentlemen or looting by gangs of thieves.6:10. Saga-KenThe prefecture is the area of ​​the southern part of the main island of Japan, where the fall of the population have to survive from the dangers of "Taifu" (literally "big wind and rain, in the English language was tantamount to a typhoon.) Since this is a threat every year, Minka in design lower the roof, called "Kudori Tsukuri", which looks similar to kamado which can be found in the kitchen of the house. Mr. feudal demands a lot of restrictions and controls on how the construction of the house. In addition, the house may have been built lower because of high wood already available in this area is difficult due to limited arable land.

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