Measure and Construction of the Japanese House (Contains 250 Floor Plans and Sketches Aspects of Joinery) [Paperback]

Heino Engel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

A remarkable classic work on traditional Japanese architecture and its general integrative quality, the order of space and form, the flexibility of partitions and room functions and other important or unique qualities. The author describes in detail, and with numerous architectural plans and drawings, the influence of the anatomy of the Japanese human body on traditional units of measurement and on house construction. This work is not simply a description of the features of the Japanese house, but "an invitation to probe the possibilities of utilizing this architectural achievement of the Japanese . . . in modern living and building," according to the author, who further believes that the unique features of the Japanese house are better suited to serve as a pattern for contemporary housing than any other form of residential structure.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Heino Engel studied architecture in Germany immediately following the end of World War II, then traveled through Egypt and Arabia, spent more than a year in India, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand, before arriving in Japan. There, in his own words, he "realized that the Japanese house is as invaluable an experience for the contemporary architect as are the ancient Acropolis of Athens in Greece and the modern high-rise office towers of the United States." He remained in Japan for three years, concentrating on the study of the Japanese house, people, life, language, and culture, and also becoming a member of the Architectural Institute of Japan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 149 pages
• Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Co.; 1st edition (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804814929
• ISBN-13: 978-0804814928
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Building & Construction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference about japanese architecture, May 4, 2000

By 

ROBERTO (MIAMI, FL 33181- 1137, FLORIDA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Measure and Construction of the Japanese House (Contains 250 Floor Plans and Sketches Aspects of Joinery) (Paperback)

If you are an architect interested in japanese constructional systems, this is THE BOOK for you. If you aren't but find japanese culture a fountain of inspiration for living, you must read this extraordinary piece of art. Perhaps it don't shine like a jewel, but once you open it, you'll find the work of a man who decided to share his mastery. In this book, diagrams, materials, craftmanship, even detailed descriptions of the human space requirements are fully explained with precision and simplicity. Every page, and every example in them, is a world that must be carefully examined. And when doing so, you'll find that what the author is showing us, is more than a book about japanese houses: is the heart of the japanese carpenters and architects living in its pages.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly Illustrates Traditional Japanese Construction, July 28, 2001

By 

Barbara Nostrand "Barbara Nostrand" (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Measure and Construction of the Japanese House (Contains 250 Floor Plans and Sketches Aspects of Joinery) (Paperback)

Anyone who wishes to build a Japanese tea room either in the garden or attached to their house could do well to start with this book. You can also use this book to design accents for a single room, or to craft an entire house. It was written by a German architect who lived in Japan several decades ago and carefully measured surving older buildings as well as studying architecture there. While there are more detailed books in Japanese, this may well still be the best available book in English.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book: exhaustive, detailed and copiously illustrated, January 30, 2010

By 

Caretta Erik (Vicenza, Italy) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Measure and Construction of the Japanese House (Contains 250 Floor Plans and Sketches Aspects of Joinery) (Paperback)

The book, taken from the larger volume "The Japanese House: A Tradition for Contemporary Architecture", describes exhaustively how the traditional Japanese house is built.
Every topic from plan layout down to shoji or tokonoma proportions is covered in detail, with amazing technical drawings and lot of examples: you will be able to build your own Japanese house, from foundation stones to the top of the roof.
Particularly interesting are the schemes of joints needed for every part of the house, and the continuos focus on some particular features like modular order, flexibility or standardization.
If you are not used to technical drawings the book may appear a bit complex, since there are no photos illustrating the building, but everything is very well done.
I recommend this book to everyone with a strong technical interest on Japanese traditional buildings.