Japanese Joinery Study

My goal with this study was to bridge the timeless art of Japanese joinery with materials and technology commonly used in modern construction. Traditional Japanese joinery is known for its precision, durability, and beauty which are qualities that are often overlooked in today’s construction methods. Efficiency and cost take precedent when projects are reduced to their transactional value. One of the most common and accessible woods used today is pine because it is affordable, easy to work with, and strong for its weight. However, a common preconception about pine is that it is low-quality because it’s mostly used for hidden structural
framing rather than exposed architectural elements.
Why is the framing mostly hidden in construction today? The least visually appealing parts of a wood structure are usually the connection points. When these joints are hidden behind
drywall, the need for craftsmanship disappears. A structure can be completely void of intentional details as long as its connections are out of sight.
With mass timber construction becoming more popular, there’s an opportunity to rethink this practice. Advancements in wood technology, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), are
changing how we build which is making wood a feasible option for larger-scale structures. This raises the question of how these new technologies can be combined with traditional
joinery to turn connection points into design features rather than something to hide? Could these once-concealed joints become celebrated elements that highlight both craftsmanship and innovation?
Through this study, I have explored how even the most accessible and commonly used materials can be transformed into something refined and intentional. On a larger scale, by
blending traditional joinery with modern construction methods, we can create structures that don’t just function well but also showcase the craftsmanship in how they are put together.