Wood and Wood Joints: Building Traditions in Europe, Japan and China
By Klaus Zwerfer

Building with wood as an ecologically viable material is a tradition with a long history. Timber architecture reveals to the modern observer the depth of knowledge which has enabled both Eastern and Western cultures to use this material in diverse and creative ways.

As described in this book, the most traditional method of building with wood involves connecting elements with wood joints, rather than with the assistance of adhesives or metal connectors. This art of wood jointing reached its zenith in Japan; but Europe has provided its share of highly influential forms.

By looking at several hundred examples from Japan and Europe (with a new chapter on China added to this enlarged edition), this book describes the history of timber architecture in terms of its technical, aesthetic and ecological dimensions.

Second, revised and expanded edition.