"Hibijibi" <km34@columbia.edu> wrote in message news:<c6r50c$f4bh9$1@ID-149122.news.uni-berlin.de>...
> "John W." wrote...

> > I think you could build a nice house that combines the Western and
> > Japanese styles quite nicely.
> 
> I would like to think so, but have come to the conclusion that a
> *successful* fusion of the two is not realistically possible since the
> underlying philosophies diverge in so many areas.  Sure, you can glue on
> some western-looking siding and call it an american home, but what really
> makes it so is 2x4 construction vs. post+ beam and it's just not economical
> to mix two styles of construction in the same building.  Sure, you can have
> central heating, but as long as a japanese person feels kechi sitting in a
> heated bathroom she isn't going to enjoy living there.
> 
There's a log cabin north of Himeji that is a nice example of mixing
the two styles. The log cabin style wouldn't be out of place anywhere
in the US, but inside it has standard Japanese interior design, with
tatami and even squat toilets. Incidentally, it's a coffee shop so
anyone can go there.

Most new homes I've seen built in Japan are 2X4 prefab deals that
appear hastily constructed and cheap, mainly in the area of
insulation. Nothing would stop someone from building a US style home,
and there are many such examples across Japan. I personally think that
the issue with many homes in Japan is the lack of a decent yard.

John W.