A Family of Architects
When I learned my homestay in Hanamaki would be with an architect, I was surprised to hear 1- my host mother is also an architect, 2-their first son is an architect, 3-their second son is a carpenter/builder, 4- their daughter graduated in architecture design is becoming an architect! I thought – This is going to be intense. Sake, please?
It didn’t take long for my nerves to settle. Upon arrival, I learned that the family had several homes on the triangle shaped lot- the parents house, the first son’s house, and their architecture studio. An empty space still exists where they plan to design and build their second son’s house in 2 years. The entry to the homes face each other and I imagine this will create a shared courtyard when the third house is built and it will be nice place to hang out. They will fit 4 buildings on a lot that is similar in size to 1 suburban home site in the U.S.
Similar to the exterior spaces, the interior of the family home, or parents home, is modest in size. It is warmly detailed with pine wood, earthen plaster walls, light neutral paint colors, and natural tatami mats. A delicate staircase floats along the living room wall to a second private level. Although the spaces were small compared to typical American homes, the plan is very open and free from clutter. The kitchen, dining area, and living room are visible to each other – similar to contemporary American homes where the kitchen is the heart of the home and where people gather. Several of the employees from the architecture studio came over to eat and drink. There were 6, then 10, then 12 people, that moved about the space. I felt lucky to be where it was all happening, the casual flow of things, and the intimacy of the family and friends around. The room where I slept has some elements that reminded me of a traditional Japanese home. It is 4-1/2 tatami mats large, with sliding doors and translucent screens. A futon was laid out for sleeping. The shower and bath are separate, like other Japanese showers we have seen where there is a stool, pan, and low wall for accessories. A combination of new and old made their home very inviting.
Their heating system is primarily from a ground source heat pump, 75 meters deep x 2 (150 meters long). The temperature in the ground is approx. 10 degrees C, and the temperature in the house ranges from 20-30 degrees C, via heat exchanger. After staying in several homes after the Kimura’s, I have learned this is a common system for heating homes in Japan. Many of the homes have a radiant floor system, radiant wall panels, and radiant towel warmers. The house is a wood framed structure, possibly with diagnol bracing between studs for lateral resistance against earthquakes.
On the second morning, with only a few hours left in Hanamaki, we visited just a handful of many projects designed by Mr. Kimura. A temple, Kenji Miyazawa education center, his architecture studio. At his studio, I viewed animations of several projects he is working on. I wasn’t familiar with the software he is using, but the practice of building 3d computer models to visualize the spaces is something I do as well. One of his projects, a senior living center, is under construction, and it was fun for me to walk through with him. He described the spaces, the finishes he selected, and we watched some of the work being done.
Looking back, the short time I spent getting to know the Kimura Family was so memorable. Despite the incredible hospitality of the Rotarians, it grounded me to be around a live-work setting, where a lot of thought is given to design. Mr. Kimura has designed over 100 projects in Hanamaki and nearby areas – libraries, education center, historical center, government office, national data room, bicycle parking structure, and more. He is a regional architect and aims to hand down his skills to the next generation. I believe his strong connection to family, his town, and his history is why he has been able to produce so much work, continue to inspire, and be inspired. As a parting gift, Mr. Kimura gave me several books related to Mr. Kenji Miyazawa, which I will treasure and share with people in Colorado.
Thanks to Rotary for all the planning that was involved to connect me to the Kimura Family!
How cool was that!!!!! – mom
that’s awesome Michelle – sounds like you’re experiencing a lot in a short amount of time. enjoy your last few days till Zach gets there.
Michele,thanks for these thoughtful and informative comments. Your vivid descriptions painted a wonderful picture for me. It might help others if you signed your entries. I like that you are rotating that responsibility. The team from Japan is in Boulder now, in fact, visiting Boulder Community Hospital and Namaste Solar today. They were at your workplace yesterday, Spenser. They spoke highly of all of you. They are a great team, as you know. Safe travels. Connie Holden