Finishing views of a 4×16′ timberframe shed constructed as an opportunity to further develop and practice basic techniques of Japanese structural joinery. As with the kajiba project, the main inspiration for aesthetic and design is the humble Japanese inaka naya (納屋) style style of a century ago. From rough sawn lumber the preparation of frame parts took four weeks, the frame and roof assembly one day, and the siding and doors about a week.
The siding for the walls is yakisugi (焼杉), a traditional charred cypress cladding technique used extensively in Japan. To block uv and increase resistance to decay the surface is fully charred into a layer of charcoal, allowing the heat to penetrate deep into the thin plank (~12mm), changing the whole board and making wood vinegar to repel insects. In this case a shallower char was used as the wood is reclaimed tongue and groove fencing boards. Care must also be taken to protect the thin edges during charring or they will overcook.
see photos of the frame preparation and assembly | see all timberframe archives