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Authentic Japanese Houses

Thu 02 Oct 2008 - 11:16

Authentic Japanese Houses
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ann_Zaidi]Ann Zaidi

Japan boasts of latest housing styles developed with state-of-the art as well as with the legacy of age-old tradition. The spectacular view of these houses can easily capture one's mind at the very first glance. They have a unique look and natural aura altogether vibrant with sophisticated use of traditional materials like timber and paper. These houses, be they modern or traditional, are usually of not more than two stories.

According to the age-old Japanese construction style, timber buildings are supposed to last twenty years without refurbishing or remodeling. However, one of the great disadvantages of such houses is its depreciation level. It is very high in comparison to the American houses which appreciate in value.

The basic difference between authentic Oriental and Western housing styles lies in the plan of the interior. The usages of the entrance or the Gencen are similar to the western idea of a porch or entry. Apart from that the kitchen or Daydokaro, the washroom or bath, which is Sentho and the restroom or Benzaw do have specific areas dedicated to them. The space is usually left at large to be used as per the need of the homemaker.

The requirement of designated rooms is fulfilled by dividing the large space left to be used. They apply Fusouma that is a sliding door for this purpose and utilize the space in customized way to create dining or living hall. Fusouma is made of timber and substantial paper called Oaashi. These doors are easy to dismantle and remove when not in use.

Traditionally in larger houses there used to be one room called Eema, which was large enough to be partitioned as required. Other essential rooms were on another side, each as an addition to the main construction. The corridor, which had timber terrazzo, ran along the boundary of the house. Unlike the general windows, here they were made of again timber and paper. For this they used the Shozee variety of paper, which was transparent enough to pass the daylight.

The most up-to-date technique of housing of the 21st century also follows the original Japanese trend of having a single room. It is called Oaashitsou. They hardly keep any furniture in this room. Instead, they use tataami mats. These mats are made of solid straw and rushes. It is strong enough to withstand the body weight of a person. Japanese people use them as a comfortable substitute of timber or stone bed.

Classically Japanese in design, from the entrance you need to take one step up to get into the house. According to the Japanese tradition, a guest usually leaves his shoes or slippers outside the door or entrance pointing towards the road. It only requires the person to slip his feet inside and he would be on his way once he is done with visiting. However, this does not mean that shoes are not worn inside. There are indoor slippers for this purpose.

The basic furnishing of a Japanese food preparation area goes this way - a heater with small stovetop, broilers and a fridge. There is a specific place for catering foods along with a sink to wash the utensils and edibles.

The washroom is furnished with a bathtub. Generally they are water-resistant. For shower, there is an adjoining area in the same room. Bath water is kept clean of soap residues and body filth, because in Japan people usually re-utilize that water for cleaning clothes or other purposes. So they wash the muck out of the bathing area regularly.

Toilets and latrines are incorporated with both Western styled commode and squat ones. The area of this room is same as the usual toilets. There are special slippers meant to be used for this area only.

The traditional heating device Kothaatsu is actually a table with heating equipment lying at its bottom. In winter, people gather around it to enjoy the heat. A blanket surrounds the table to trap the heat for more comfort.

Mitch Johnson has been an avid design enthusiast for years. You can read his reviews on [http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com]Curtains & Drapes, as well as tips on how to choose from high end as well as discount curtains.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ann_Zaidi http://EzineArticles.com/?Authentic-Japanese-Houses&id=1530947


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