The Japanese archipelago streches from north to south over a wide range of temperate zones; The northern region buried in snow over a long period of winter, where southern climate is mild and humid. Minka, the traditional houses of rural Japan, are as diverse as the climates and landscapes of Japan.

In central and northern Japan, minka are spacious enough to accommodate large families and their activity through the long winter months.  These multifunction structures shelter under one expansive root not only the family’s living quarters but a large earth-floored work area known most commonly as a doma 土間, where farm work and handicrafts can be carried on during the winter, as well as the stable for livestock.

 

Single-chumon ”単一中門” minka.   built in 19th century in Akita Prefecture.  The gabled roof over the entrance to the chumon wing keeps snow from falling into the doorway.  The thatch where the chumon roof and the main roof is mixed with bark.

The large minka of the north are built to bear the weight of several feet of snow; they are constructed of thick durable timbers and furnished with high windows in the gable or roof for better lighting in winter.

 

 

In the south of Japan, where the warmer climate permits outdoor work year round, there is no need for a large indoor work area.  Dwellings are typically made up of several separate buildings, an arrangement that confines the presense of smoke and fire to a separate structure or outdoor area used for cooking.  The stable is also separate, as is the storehouse.

Furthermore, typhoons are common in the sumer, it is an advantage for a dwelling to be split into several relatively small structures.  Even if one portion of the complex is damaged, the whole will not be seriously affected.

 

 

Built in 1983 in Fukuoka by relatively wealthy upper class farmer.
1943年建造の江戸時代上層農家、福岡県

 

 

Built in southern part of Kyushu, common construction to have two buildings which referred as twin house “二ツ家”.  Each building has stable storage, individual toilet and bath.

南九州の民家は，オモテ・ナカエ・ウマヤ・便所・風呂場が独立した分棟型が基本でした。オオテとナカエを連結させた建物として，棟と棟をつなぐ小棟の形状がが知覧独特であることから，知覧型二ツ家と呼ばれています。