MINKA
In 2015, a unique cultural and architectural exchange project is launched, led by Peter Grilli and sponsored by a private Kyoto-based foundation.
In 2020, a 300-year old traditional “Minka” farmhouse in the village of Tane, Japan is identified for relocation to the U.S. The timber-frame and interior finishes are carefully documented and disassembled.
The structure is transported and re-assembled by a team of traditional Japanese carpenters in a warehouse near Kyoto to undergo structural modifications and repairs. This was done sequentially in three sections as the structure was too large to fit inside the warehouse at once.
At this point, Japanese and U.S. architects, engineers and carpenters work collaboratively, relying extensively on hand-sketches, CAD drawings, digital models, thousands of photos, emails, and countless video calls.
The structure is again disassembled, meticulously labelled, and shipped across the Pacific Ocean in 10 full-size shipping containers, arriving in Boston in October of 2023.
U.S. and Japanese teams work in parallel to re-build the structure, but this time concealing new foundations, shear walls, insulated envelope, and all mechanicals. HVAC is incorporated throughout with great efforts to minimize visual impact.
During moderate weather, 120 feet of sliding glass doors disappear into pockets, opening up the restored interior to its new surroundings. A modern connector joins the Minka with an existing colonial-style residence, also housing a catering kitchen and bathrooms.
This project was driven by a give-and-take between two cultures regarding traditional craft, techniques and customs. Accompanying this was dialogue about restoration, modern-day building practice, functionality, and code compliance.
Program: Residence
Location: Belmont, MA
Areas:
3000 SF Minka
1000 SF Connector
4000 SF Existing Colonial
Project Architect: I-Kanda Architects
Minka Architect: Atelier RYO
GC: Thoughtforms
Timberframe & Finishes: ENISHI-GIKEN
Landscape: TEIYU
Structural: Fire Tower Engineered Timber
Civil: Coneco
Mech: TE2 Engineering
AV: ProAV Systems
Lighting: Light New England
HVAC: Foster
Electrical: Hughson Electrical
Windows: Hirschmann Windows
FF&E / Events: Grayscale Design
Photography: Matt Delphenich