Nyuzen dispersed settlement in Toyama Prefecture locates on the fan of the river Kurobe. The inhabitants of Nyuzen were under the feudal control of Kaga clan and in severe climate. The author has investigated the historical reforms of their house plans and way of living with regard to the social and natural controls.
The original houses were enlarged and the number of rooms increased gradually out of necessity or desire. In this expanding process we can point out many social and natural controls. Recently the remodelling of the house plan is pursued for the purpose of making the house appropriate for the family living, in other words the space for the daily living of family members is taken into consideration first rather than that for the reception of guests.
Also the inhabitants' living was influenced by the relationships among the relatives, between a head family and branch families, and between a landowner and tenants.
We have found out that houses and living in this area are moving in a new direction on the basis of those historical changes.
