Northern
Nagano
Katsuyama Construction renovates kominka in and around the city of Iiyama, restoring these heritage homes and adapting them to modern lifestyles. Our workshop and headquarters are located in the neighboring city of Nakano.
of traditional
timber
Japan’s forests are rich in high-quality wood, and timber-frame construction has evolved hand-in-hand with Japanese civilization. Modern homes can be built from an endless variety of materials, yet wood still offers an unmatched combination of beauty, durability, and suitability to the Japanese climate.
Homes suited to the local climate
Trees in Northern Nagano grow more slowly in winter due to the extreme cold. The result is dense, durable timber that can withstand the weight of the region’s heavy snowfalls — locally sourced building material optimized for local conditions.
p:Kazuo Katahira
The resilience of Japanese architecture
Traditional Japanese homes are built to last: many kominka are well over a century old. The secret is their sturdy yet flexible timber frames, whose components are hand-assembled using sophisticated joinery techniques rather than nails. Time-darkened timber posts and thick exposed beams, which often follow the natural curve of mountain-grown trees, add beauty as well as a sense of solidity.
Serious craftsmanship with a playful spirit
kominka find ways to bring nature inside, creating a feeling of connectedness through features like exterior hallways that can become verandas with the slide of a door. Because these homes are hand-made, the pride and even playfulness of their original builders can still been seen in their woodworking details.
Stories
old
houses
There’s a unique spirit to a heritage home, with its soothing wood textures, hand-crafted touches, and materials that are hard to find today. A kominka stands out even as it blends seamlessly with the local landscape. We offer skills honed by centuries of craftspeople to people who want to preserve and enjoy these treasures.
First step: consultation and inspection
Most kominka are solidly built, but their state of preservation can vary widely. Determining whether a house can be restored requires specialized knowledge and experience. We start by evaluating the durability and value of the structure, in particular the all-important timber frame. Katsuyama Construction conducts similar surveys for the preservation of cultural assets such as temples.
On-site
restoration
Most clients chose to keep their kominka on the original property. Floor plans can be reconfigured and amenities updated to suit the needs of modern lifestyles. Because traditional buildings sit freely on foundation stones, they can be raised to create more underfloor space or even repositioned without being dismantled.
Relocation
Many heritage homes can be dismantled, transported to another location, and rebuilt. During the dismantling process, carpenters examine the wood frame and replace any rotten or unsound timbers. Relocation broadens the range of choices for preserving and using kominka.
Reclamation
In cases where a house can’t be fully restored due to severe damage or site restrictions, the posts and beams can be reclaimed for use in a new building. This method of partial preservation saves what is still valuable, and adds traditional charm to a new build.
Aesthetic re-use
Old timbers can be re-used in design elements such as decorative ceiling beams, or transformed into furnishings such as tables, chairs, and shelving. Even when a building can no longer serve its original purpose, its materials — and the care that went into procuring and shaping them — can still have value.