STRUCTURAL PLANNING CONCEPTS REFLECTED IN THE ROOF TRUSSES OF KAZUO SHINOHARA’S FIRST STYLE WOODEN HOUSES

This paper analyzes the structural planning concepts reflected in the roof trusses of Kazuo Shinohara’s First Style wooden houses, focusing on four houses (House in Komae, Umbrella House, House in White, and House of Earth) examined during recent restoration projects. In each house, the roof load was intended to be converted into axial forces and transmitted to the supporting structures. The roof truss members were intentionally composed of slender timber, with forces being transferred via metal joint fittings. Shinohara’s structural planning concepts were realized with the support of the structural engineer Ichiei Tsuge.