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General Information | Practical Information

The traditional bench of the Japanese garden Being able to enjoy the aesthetics of the Japanese garden in a comfortable way is an essential part of the experience. A comprehensive garden shelter known as a Koshikake (腰掛) provides this in a uniquely authentic Japanese fashion. The seating area is completely covered on top and modestly covered on the sides, protecting the visitor from harsh weather conditions.

The Koshikake, also known by the full term Koshikake Machiai (腰掛待合), is a key element of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and can be found in every tea garden in some shape or form. Participants of the tea ceremony have to wait on the bench before being called into the tearoom. This way the mood is leisurely build. The Japanese term Koshikake Machiai refers to this ritual and loosely translates to 'the meeting bench'.

Probably the most important principle of the Japanese garden is that it should have a certain natural essence. This also applies to the Koshikake to a certain degree. Although it is not natural in shape, it is primarily made of natural materials. In this case, the element of wood.

The Koshikake Mukuzai is designed in an authentic rural Japanese style. The wooden pillar on the side, known as the Kibashira (木柱), is made of natural looking wood which gives the Koshikake a nice country style appearance. This pillar formed the inspiration for the name Mukuzai (無垢材), which is Japanese for natural wood.

Personal contact as a key to success Every project is different and requires its own approach plan. That is why we ask you to please contact us by phone or mail if you have any questions or if you want to make an appointment. We are always excited to hear your wishes and expectations, while providing you with all the necessary information. Through personal contact we can be of optimal service, the key to success.

Estimated Pricing (Base model) Hand crafted Japanese Koshikake Mukuzai as pictured. Prices, in euros, including VAT, refering to placement within the Netherlands. Placement outside the Netherlands based on quotation and subsequent calculation. Other design, versions and customization on request.

General Information | Practical Information

The custom-made Koshikake of your Japanese garden The standard dimensions of the Koshikake Mukuzai are 290 cm width, 165 cm deep and 245 cm heigh (290x165x245). Please keep in mind that these dimensions are adjustable. We understand that every garden is different, each having its own shape and size. That is why all the wooden constructions by Yokoso Japanese Gardens are modular and can be altered to best fit the wishes of our customer.

Next to the adjustable dimensions, the Koshikake also has other options that can be selected. For example, the roof can be fitted with original Kawara ceramic tiles, shingles or planks. Next to this, the foundation can be fitted with stepping stones leading from the garden to the bench.

The two phases of the construction process The first phase of the construction process of the Koshikake Mukuzai takes us to the Yokoso Workshop. Here all the separate parts are created by hand, after which the full construction is built in the workshop. We always do this to make sure that the structure is complete and meets all our quality standards. When everything is perfect, the Koshikake will be deconstructed again after which the separate parts are prepared for transport to the garden.

The second phase of the construction process brings us to the garden of our client. The installation spot is prepared beforehand, which includes the proper foundation, to ensure a smooth execution. The Koshikake is then built in the same way as previously done in the Yokoso Workshop under the keen eye of our client.

The most suitable foundation The proper foundation is an intricate part of all the wooden constructions by Yokoso Japanese Gardens. To guarantee the great longevity of the woodwork, being secured to the ground in the best way possible is crucial. The type of foundation is highly dependent on various factors such as the available space and the type of ground. Based on all the factors the most suitable type of foundation will be decided upon, while keeping the wishes of our client in mind at all times. The different foundation types include ring foundation and full concrete foundation.

The wonderful essence of cedar All the wooden constructions by Yokoso Japanese Gardens are primarily made using Western Red Cedar, a valuable and durable wood type. New Western Red Cedar has a very lively yet authentic appearance. Over the years the wood will develop a beautiful silver-grey color with unmatched aesthetic value. This all means that the Koshikake will age very gracefully, evolving to an even more beautiful piece of traditional architecture as the years go by. You can really see the structure become an indispensable aspect of the garden, intertwining with and being complimentary to the rest of the elements.