Page 39 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 34

The Environment

a) Sashimono (Japan):

Sashimono involves Beyond steel, nails
precisely crafted interlocking
wooden joints, requiring and glue: Traditional

no adhesives or nails.
Its legacy can be seen woodworking
in traditional Japanese
furniture and architecture, techniques inspiring
where durability is achieved

through tight-fitting joinery Sustainable Building
that resists wear over time.
Design

b) Dovetail Joints (Global):

This technique uses RONALD MBIU, NAIROBI, KENYA
wedge-shaped interlocking
fingers, commonly found
in cabinetry and traditional surfaces without visible fasteners. The technique also reduces

timber framing. Dovetails material waste and simplifies assembly.
create mechanically strong
bonds ideal for load-bearing Image from http: //www.builderbill-diy-help.com/tongue-and-

walls and roof structures. groove-joint.html
Above are four versions on the theme of T&G joints as they
c) Mortise-and-Tenon are sometimes called:
Joints (China and Europe):
Widely used in historical A basic joint. One side has a groove machined in it and the

buildings, this joint involves
a projecting tenon fitting
snugly into a mortise hole.

It is particularly suitable for
structural frameworks like
columns and beams, offering
remarkable strength and
longevity.

d) Tongue-and-Groove
(Global): Frequently used

in flooring,ceilings and
paneling, this system creates
seamless and durable Image (a) from https: //byakko.co/blogs/architec-
ture-and-interior-design/sashimono-techniques

ISSUE 34 | FEBRUARY 2025 39