The Kominka Collective's mission is to save Japanese kominka folk houses and other traditional structures while preserving Japanese building arts. We are a not-for-profit company.
一般社団法人 Kominka Collective
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The preservation of Japan's built cultural heritage has extraordinary allies in Billy Dillon and Adam Miller of Kominka North America
We are thrilled to share that the preservation of Japan's built cultural heritage has two extraordinary new allies and advocates in Billy Dillon and Adam Miller of Kominka North America! We met Billy and Adam on the Timber Framers Guild Spring Tour in April and are delighted to have the opportunity to join forces going forward. Billy and Adam bring a vast and diverse wealth of experience in carpentry and the building trades. United by a deep commitment to craftsmanship, they share a passion for both traditional and innovative construction techniques. Their global journeys have allowed them to learn from experts in regional carpentry traditions across countries including England, France, China, Sweden, Germany, and Japan. Billy's career began with an apprenticeship in the carpenters' union, and over the course of 50 years, he has worked extensively in both residential and commercial high-end construction. He has also shared his expertise by teaching courses on stair building, tangent handrailing, and eyebrow dormers, in addition to judging carpentry competitions at SkillsUSA. Adam, mentored by the pioneers of the North American timber frame revival, has been a key figure in the field. Since 2018, he has edited Timber Framing, the quarterly technical journal of the Timber Framers Guild. More of Adam's work and publications can be found at www.adammillercarpentry.com. Together, Adam and Billy work closely with the Timber Framers Guild, based in Alstead, New Hampshire.
Kominka North America and Uncarved Block Inc. give a beautiful kura a second life as part of a timber framing woodshop
Our wonderful new partners, Billy Dillon and Adam Miller of Kominka North America, were in Shinshiro in early November to disassemble an extraordinary structure. This 130-year-old kura was once the storehouse for a silk mill, but some years ago part of the roof broke and began to leak, making preserving the kura difficult. The building was going to be torn down in December, but Billy, Adam and Brad Morse, owner of the timber framing company Uncarved Block, came to the rescue. The kura will be rebuilt to become part of Uncarved Block Inc’s new timber framing workshop space. We have all been hoping for a way to save this gorgeous structure, and that this is happening is really something. Heartfelt thanks to Kominka North America and Uncarved Block Inc! This kura is an exceptional structure due to its beautiful joinery and large size. While in rural settings or smaller villages, kura were often built to store grains, tools, or other agricultural products, these were typically around 6 meters in length and 4 meters in width. For wealthier families or merchants in towns or cities, kura would be larger to accommodate larger quantities of goods, including precious items like silk or rice. These might reach lengths of 10 to 12 meters or more. The kura from Shinshiro is 27 meters in length, making in a particularly large structure. Like other kura, this storehouse had thick, fire-resistant walls and a robust, functional design, with thick earthen walls, a tile roof, and small windows and heavy doors: Kura doors are often made of thick, heavy wood and sometimes reinforced with iron, making the structure more resistant to break-ins or natural disasters. Historically, kura storehouses were an essential part of rural life in Japan, often found on farms, merchant properties, and in towns. Today, kura continue to be admired for their craftsmanship and resilience, embodying traditional Japanese building techniques that prioritize durability, functionality, and aesthetic harmony with the natural environment.
Two weeks of exploring Japan's traditional building arts with the Timber Framers Guild Fall Japan Tour
The Timber Framers Guild Fall Japan Tour was a carefully crafted journey through Japan's rich architectural and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on traditional woodcraft, joinery, and sustainable building practices. From November 7th to 21st, a group of timber framers, carpenters, and woodworking enthusiasts explored the country's finest examples of craftsmanship, both ancient and contemporary, immersing themselves in the unique world of Japanese architecture and timber construction. Tokyo: The Beginning of the Journey The adventure began in Tokyo, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, blending the ultra-modern with the traditional. The group was welcomed and oriented in this metropolis, where they set the tone for the tour by diving into the roots of Japan's architectural traditions. Kigumi Joinery Museum A highlight of the Tokyo leg was a visit to the Kigumi Joinery Museum. Kigumi is a traditional Japanese carpentry technique used in timber framing, involving intricate wooden joinery that requires no nails or metal fasteners. The museum offered a deep dive into this ancient craft, showcasing both historical examples and modern applications. Visitors had the opportunity to observe tools, techniques, and exhibits on the intricate ways timber was worked to build homes and temples in Japan. Asakusa Area The group also spent time in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest districts, known for its traditional atmosphere. Walking through its ancient streets, they explored the famous Senso-ji Temple and enjoyed the blend of old-world charm and lively shopping streets, where artisans still practice their craft. Onsen Experience After days of exploration, the group unwound at a serene onsen hotel. Soaking in the healing waters of a traditional Japanese hot spring was the perfect way to rejuvenate before moving on to the next leg of the journey. Odawara Castle and Kezuro-kai Annual Competition Next, the tour ventured to Odawara Castle, a historic fortress that showcases traditional Japanese construction techniques and timber-frame architecture. Here, the group learned about the defensive engineering and historical significance of Japanese castles. The tour continued with a visit to the Kezuro-kai Japan Annual Competition, a premier event celebrating the art of Japanese woodworking. Participants had the chance to see master carpenters and artisans demonstrate their incredible skills, competing in various disciplines such as joinery, traditional timber framing, and woodworking. Kyoto: The Heart of Traditional Japan After a journey through the modern and historical realms of Tokyo and its surroundings, the group traveled to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Chisetsu Temple Stay & Morning Chanting The group stayed at Chisetsu Temple, a tranquil location that provided an authentic, immersive experience. They had the rare opportunity to witness early morning chanting by the temple’s monks, an awe-inspiring ritual that resonated deeply with the participants and set the tone for their continued exploration of spiritual and architectural traditions. Path of Philosophy & Kawai Kanjiro's House The group wandered the Path of Philosophy, a scenic walk lined with temples and natural beauty. Along the way, they visited the house of Kawai Kanjiro, a renowned ceramic artist, where they learned about the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and art in Japanese culture. Tool Shops and Temples A series of visits to traditional tool shops introduced the group to the tools and materials used by master craftsmen in Japan. They also explored various temples and sites of architectural interest, gaining insight into the symbiosis of religion, craftsmanship, and design that defines Japan’s built heritage. Day Trip to Nara: The Ancient Capitals One of the most memorable excursions was a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. The group visited Todaiji Temple, home to one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world, and the Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient wooden structures and architectural significance. Kobe: Takenaka Carpentry Museum The group then traveled to Kobe to visit the Takenaka Carpentry Museum, a stunning institution dedicated to the history and evolution of Japanese carpentry. Here, they learned about the tools, techniques, and materials used in traditional carpentry and timber framing, including how Japanese artisans approach precision and joinery. Miyama Village: Roof Thatching & Traditional Kominka Miyama Village, a picturesque area known for its thatched roof kominka (traditional farmhouses), offered a unique glimpse into sustainable building practices. Led by Haruo Nishio, a master thatcher, the group learned about the art of roof thatching—a time-honored practice that involves weaving straw to create weather-resistant roofs. They also spent two nights in Haruo Nishio’s beautifully restored kominka, gaining firsthand experience of life in these traditional homes. Sustainable Forestry Walk with Sachiko Takamuro A key part of the tour was an educational sustainable forestry walk with expert Sachiko Takamuro. This excursion emphasized Japan’s innovative practices in forest management, highlighting the balance between human activity and environmental conservation. The group learned about forest stewardship and how timber framing in Japan aligns with sustainability. Kumiko Master Shinichi Murayama A visit to Shinichi Murayama, a renowned kumiko artisan, provided an opportunity to see this intricate form of Japanese woodwork in action. Kumiko involves creating delicate latticework patterns from thin wooden slats, a technique that requires immense skill and patience. The group observed Murayama at work and explored his philosophy behind this beautiful and intricate craft. Workshop with Ryosei Kaneko & Jay van Arsdale The group participated in a hands-on woodworking workshop led by master carpenter Ryosei Kaneko and Japanese woodworking expert Jay van Arsdale. The workshop focused on traditional Japanese woodworking techniques and offered participants the chance to create their own pieces, guided by these two experts. Hoshino Shrine & Kominka Preservation The tour then visited Hoshino Shrine and spent a day with award-winning temple designer and builder Shigetaka Mochizuki. Mochizuki shared his philosophy on temple design and the traditional methods he uses to create sacred spaces. The group also toured various kominka, including one that was relocated from Niigata to Aichi and is now the office of Toda Komuten, a leading architectural firm specializing in traditional buildings. A tour of vacant kominka led by Toda Komuten introduced the group to the challenges of preserving and restoring these historic structures. Participants learned how these buildings are repurposed while maintaining their architectural integrity. Yakisugi and the Art of Wood Preservation One of the more unique demonstrations was the yakisugi process, also known as shou sugi ban, a traditional technique of charring wood to preserve it against the elements. The group watched as artisans demonstrated this ancient method, which imparts both beauty and durability to timber. Yoshihiro Takishita: Father of Kominka Preservation In Kamakura, the group had the privilege of visiting Yoshihiro Takishita, known as the father of kominka preservation. Takishita’s three beautifully restored kominka exemplify the commitment to preserving Japan’s architectural heritage. His work continues to inspire a new generation of architects and carpenters dedicated to keeping traditional building techniques alive. Farewells in Tokyo The journey concluded with farewells in Tokyo, reflecting on the experiences, knowledge, and insights gained throughout the trip. Participants departed with a deeper understanding of Japan’s building arts, an appreciation for the precision and beauty of Japanese woodworking, and a renewed commitment to sustainable and traditional craftsmanship in their own practices. The Timber Framers Guild Fall Japan Tour was an unforgettable exploration of craftsmanship, culture, and history—an enriching experience for anyone passionate about timber framing, woodworking, and traditional building techniques.