Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

This study investigates the early-period detached houses built by three Japanese followers of Le Corbusier. It shows the origin and essence of architecture by the three Japanese followers, who adhered to the principle of modern architecture and attempted to realize it in Japan. First of all, the characteristics of detached houses can be found from the traces of direct communion with Le Corbusier in the relationship with modern architecture. By adopting modern architecture, Kunio Maekawa and Junzo Sakakura also created a modern wooden house structure unique to Japan. Next, in the process of modernization, the adoption of Japanese building techniques and establishment of identity revealed the following characteristics: ① active acceptance of the design features of traditional houses; ② application of Japanese traditional window and door compositions to wooden structures through modern interpretations; and ③ harmonious composition of Western standing-style space and Japanese floor mat-style space. To incorporate Western modern architecture into Japanese detached houses, the three Japanese followers learned the principle of modern architecture from Le Corbusier, the best modern architect in contemporary times. Nonetheless, the integration of Japanese building techniques and modern architecture gave rise to unique architectural characteristics but still maintains contemporary features.