Wood and Wood Joints : Building Traditions of Europe, Japan and China

Two millennia of wood architecture Building with wood as an ecologically viable material is a tradition with a long history. In the most typical method, elements are connected by using wood joints which do not require the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors. By looking at several hundred examples from Japan, China and 18 European countries, this book describes in great detail the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions. This thorough study is a mine of information to specialists in this field; it opens up to the craftsman of today what has become an almost forgotten world and provides a fascinating account for the general reader. The new introduction to the third edition reviews developments since the first publication of this book in 1997. * The beauty of timber structures is captured in superb black-and-white photographs. * Exciting three-dimensional drawings reveal the secret liefe concealed within the joints. * 3rd edition enlarged by a new introduction Contents Foreword Introduction to the Third Edition The Material The Properties of Wood Species of Wood Working with Wood Uses The Carpenter The Carpenter’s Tools Forms of Construction Types and Functions of Wood Joints Typology Classification Systems in the Literature Limits to the Classification Systems The Functions of Wood Joints Wood Joints and Their Evolution The Role of the Tool Building Tasks and Their Solutions Log Construction Column-and-Beam Construction Roof Construction The Influence of Climatic Conditions Abundance and Scarcety of Timber Wood Joints as an Expression of Aesthetic Values The Visible and the Invisible Protection and Prestige Construction and Decoration Structural Timber Construction in China Building Methods: Log Construction and Column-and-Beam Construction Structural Wood Preservation: Raised Platform and Cantilevered Roof Choice of Materials The Structure and Construction of Temple Buildings The Construction Principles of Bracket Complexes Dougong The Economics of Construction Bibliography Acknowledgements Index of Persons and Buildings Index of Places Subject Index

Building with wood as an ecologically viable material is a tradition with a long history. In the most typical method, elements are connected by using wood joints which do not require the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors.

 
By looking at several hundred examples from Japan, China and 18 European countries, this book describes in great detail the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions. This thorough study is a mine of information to specialists in this field; it opens up to the craftsman of today what has become an almost forgotten world and provides a fascinating account for the general reader.

The new introduction to the third edition reviews developments since the first publication of this book in 1997.

In the most typical method of building with wood, elements are connected by using wood joints which do not require the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors. This art of wood jointing reached its zenith in Japan; but Europe too provided its share of highly influential forms. By looking at several hundred examples from Japan and 18 European countries, this book describes in great detail the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions. The beauty of timber structures and their detailing is captured in superb black-and-white photographs. Exciting three-dimensional drawings reveal the secret life concealed within the joints. This thorough study will prove a mine of information to specialists in this field; it will open up to the craftsman of today what has become an almost forgotten world and provide a fascinating account for the general reader "Building with wood as an ecologically viable material is a tradition with a long history. In the most typical method, elements are connected by using wood joints which do not require the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors. By looking at several hundred examples from Japan, China and 18 European countries, this book describes in great detail the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions. This thorough study is a mine of information to specialists in this field; it opens up to the craftsman of today what has become an almost forgotten world and provides a fascinating account for the general reader. The new introduction to the third edition reviews developments since the first publication of this book in 1997"--Provided by publisher Das Bauen mit Holz als einem gestalterisch eigenständigen und ökologisch sinnvollen Werkstoff hat eine lange Tradition. Bei der typischen Technik des Bauens mit Holz, der reinen Holzverbindung, werden die Elemente ohne Leim oder Metall einzig durch das gekonnt entworfene Ineinander der hölzernen Teile verbunden. Hier wird die Geschichte der Holzarchitektur in ihren technischen, ästhetischen und ökologischen Dimensionen detailgenau anhand von hunderten Beispielen aus Japan, China und europäischen Ländern beschrieben. Aus einem ganzheitlichen Verständnis entsteht ein Bild des Bauens mit Holz, das Fachleute informiert, Baupraktikern eine fast verlorene Welt neu erschließt und Laien ganz einfach zu faszinieren vermag. Die neue Einleitung resümiert die jüngsten Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre. Wood and Wood Joints puts today s world in touch with the diverse know-how of Western and Eastern cultures about the creative use of this distinctive material. A holistic perspective generates an appreciation of building with wood that will inform professionals, give building specialists a new sense of an almost vanished world, and simply fascinate the lay public. The 3rd edition comprises an extensive new introduction."