japanese tea houses, japanese garden houses, japanese summer house, japanese tea room, japanese architecture

General Information | Practical Information

The coziness of home inside the Japanese garden Japanese gardens are famous for their traditional garden houses. Known in Japan as Niwakoya (庭小屋), they can be used for various cultural activities. Think of Ikebana, Bonsai, calligraphy, Origami and the tea ceremony. All these activities have one thing in common. Practicing them in peace and comfort is of the essence. Peace and comfort that a fully insulated garden house can provide in a unique way.

The interior of a traditional Japanese garden house includes various specific elements of woodwork. For example, the Tokonoma (床の間), which is a raised platform made to display valuable items such as Bonsai or Suiseki. Next to the Tokonoma is usually a pillar made of natural looking wood known as the Tokobashira (床柱). Additionally, Japanese style floating shelves called Chigaidana (違い棚) are often implemented on the wall diagonally above the Tokonoma. The floors are made of wooden planks and can be fitted with Tatami mats for utmost comfort.

Japanese garden houses often feature a narrow traditional veranda known as the Engawa (縁側). The Japanese garden as we know it today took full shape during the Heian period (794-1185), with the Engawa being considered as the ultimate viewpoint. A great view of the garden can be enjoyed while sitting on the Engawa, admiring it as a detailed painting come to life.

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

The Igokochi Niwakoya japanese tea house by Yokoso Japanese Gardens is developed to be the ultimate spot of comfort inside the Japanese garden. This thought formed the inspiration for the name Igokochi (居心地), which is Japanese for comfort. If you look at the three Kanji characters side by side, based on their individual meaning, they translate to: The place where the heart is.

Inspired by ancient Japanese architecture A great variety of traditional garden houses can be found all throughout Japan. Many of which served as inspiration for the Igokochi Niwakoya. The most inspirational of all is without a doubt the tea house that is part of the Japanese garden at the Kōdai-ji (高台寺) temple in Kyoto. As a matter of fact, the Igokochi Niwakoya is designed to be a smaller version of the Kōdai-ji tea house.

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.

Pricing (Base model) Japanese garden house/tea house Igokochi Niwakoya as pictured with traditional Kawara roof tiles. ca 48 m3. 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 garden house of your Japanese garden The standard inside dimensions of the Igokochi Niwakoya are 260 cm wide, 260 cm deep and 300 cm height (260x260x300). Please keep in mind that these dimensions are adjustable to a high degree. 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. Even the finest details can be altered to best fit the wishes of our customer.

Next to the adjustable dimensions, the Japanese tea house has various options that can be selected. For example, the roof can be fitted with original Kawara ceramic tiles, shingles or planks. Next, to this the entire interior is customizable. Additionally, a hanging ornament can be arranged to hang from the roof of the construction.

The two phases of the construction process The first phase of the construction process of the Igokochi Niwakoya Japanese Garden House 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 building is fully realized and meets all our quality standards. When everything is perfect, the house 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 garden house is then built in the same way as previously done in the Yokoso Workshop under the keen eye of our client.

Perfect for all seasons The Igokochi Niwakoya is fully insulated with high quality materials built in its walls. This way the garden house can be used at any time and during all seasons. Being comfortable all throughout the year.

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 Japanese garden house 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.