CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF STACKING EARTH AND STONE IN JAPAN (PART 3): INTERVIEWS AND MEASUREMENTS OF HUTS IN MIHARA CITY, HIROSHIMA PREFECTURE

Abstract

In this paper, interviews and measurements were conducted to clarify the architectural characteristics of earth and stone masonry huts around Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The results showed that the huts were used for ash burning as a fertilizer for agriculture and for making compost. In many cases, stone pillars were used for fire and decay protection, and horizontal or vertical members were sometimes inserted inside the earth-stone masonry walls. Furthermore, the results were compared with previous studies that investigated the surrounding area to determine the regional characteristics of the plan shape and specifications of the earth-stone masonry walls.