Page 42 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 34
P. 42
The Environment
where interlocking wooden pieces ensure
stability without nails or glue. This technique
enables the building to withstand Japan’s
frequent earthquakes, as the joints flex
without breaking.
The temple’s pagoda design uses mortise-
and-tenon joints alongside Sashimono
interlocks, ensuring that each tier distributes
weight evenly and resists lateral forces. The
absence of synthetic materials enhances its
environmental footprint, as the structure is
fully biodegradable and easily repairable—a
Image from https: //www.arch2o.com/japanese-wood-joinery/ stark contrast to modern materials that
complicate recycling.
architecture can enhance a building’s
aesthetic appeal. The exposed joinery 2. Mjøstårnet: Modern Timber Engineering
highlights craftsmanship and brings an with Timeless Principles
authentic, organic look to interior and Standing at 85.4 meters, Norway’s
exterior spaces. This design philosophy Mjøstårnet is the world’s tallest timber
aligns with contemporary trends that building. While it primarily uses glued
favor minimalism, natural materials, and a laminated timber (glulam) and cross-
connection to heritage. laminated timber (CLT), its construction
echoes ancient principles of interlocking and
Architects could use visible interlocking prefabrication.
joints as decorative elements in beams,
columns, or staircases, showcasing the The building’s beams and columns use
beauty of the materials while celebrating mortise-and-tenon-style connections,
sustainable design. ensuring mechanical strength and allowing
modular assembly. Prefabricated panels
Case Studies of Traditional and Modern reduce on-site waste, while the absence
Applications of steel fasteners in some sections mirrors
Sashimono’s reliance on natural fits.
1. Hōryū-ji Temple: A Testament to Mjøstårnet’s achievement highlights how
Sashimono’s Strength traditional woodworking techniques,
Located in Nara, Japan, the Hōryū-ji Temple adapted for modern engineering, can scale
(607 CE) is one of the world’s oldest sustainably. Its use of timber sequesters
surviving wooden structures. Its construction carbon, and the structural systems
showcases advanced Sashimono joinery, demonstrate how joinery principles can
WWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM
42
| we tell the true afrikan story
