A study on the regional characteristics and determining factors of HIKIMUN folk house construction systems in Amami-Oshima

Abstract

In Amami-Oshima, folk houses are characterized by the “HIKIMUN construction” system, which is different from other wooden construction systems of the Japanese main island. Big beams that are dropped into primary posts are called “HIKIMUN.” This study aimed to clarify the regional characteristics of HIKIMUN construction systems and their determining factors. Ten HIKIMUN folk houses in mountainous, plain, and island areas were studied. According to the survey results, four types of HIKIMUN construction systems—Basic, Discontinuous, Extended, and Two levels—two types of HIKIMUN joints—Unprocessed and Watariago—and three types of floor level joints—Makura, Kusabi, and Combined—were identified. The regional characteristics of each type were also clarified.