Construction Method of Stacking Earth and Stone in Japan (Part 4) : Interviews and Field Surveys of Ash Houses in Tamba-Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture

This study investigates the stacked earth construction method found in the ash houses (Han-ya) of Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo, to clarify fire-resistance mechanisms and the fire-optimized utilization of earth walls. Unlike Hiroshima’s Han-ya, where fireproofing is limited to waist height, Tamba-Sasayama’s examples feature unique coatings extending to ceilings and rafters. Through an analysis of 31 houses, the research clarifies how integrated elements—earthen ceilings, plastered eaves, and opening configurations—establish a robust fire-resistant system, documenting these disappearing structures and their indigenous technologies.