How Japanese architecture inspires my love for wood in design

When I think about the kind of architecture that moves me most, I always come back to Japanese design. There is something about the way Japanese architects use wood — with such respect, skill, and simplicity — that I find endlessly inspiring. It’s not just the look of it, but the philosophy behind it: the idea that buildings can connect us to nature, that materials should be celebrated rather than hidden, and that simplicity can create a deeper sense of calm and balance.

For me, it isn’t about copying Japanese buildings directly. Instead, it’s about learning from their approach — the way they value natural materials, proportion, and craft. These ideas influence how I think about design here in the UK, where wood can just as easily bring warmth, character, and sustainability into our homes.

A Deep Respect for Wood

One of the things I love most about Japanese architecture is how it treats wood as more than just a building material. In Japan, timber has always been central to construction, not just because it was available, but because it was valued. It’s chosen carefully, worked with precision, and allowed to change over time.

That attitude resonates with me. Instead of disguising the natural qualities of wood, Japanese buildings often highlight them — the grain, the colour, the texture, even the way it weathers. There’s an honesty to that which I find beautiful. It reminds me that a building isn’t just a static object; it’s something that evolves and grows older with us.

Simplicity, Proportion, and Calm

Japanese design also inspires me because of its simplicity. Rooms are uncluttered, layouts are thoughtful, and there’s a sense of proportion that feels just right. Timber plays a big role in this — beams, panels, and screens are often arranged in a way that brings rhythm and order without ever feeling heavy.

This kind of design makes spaces feel calm and balanced. I love the way openings are positioned to frame views of the outdoors, or how sliding wooden screens create a soft boundary between inside and outside. It’s an approach that values light, nature, and human comfort in equal measure.

Lessons I Take Into My Own Design Thinking

Living and working in the UK, I find that these lessons are just as relevant here as they are in Japan. Wood has so much potential in modern design. It’s sustainable, versatile, and naturally beautiful. When used well, it brings a sense of warmth and grounding that other materials often lack.

I often think about how Japanese architects use timber as both structure and surface — not just hidden away in the frame, but visible, tactile, and celebrated. It inspires me to approach projects in a way that makes the most of natural materials, not just for how they look, but for how they make people feel.

Why This Inspires Me So Deeply

What I admire most about Japanese architecture is its honesty. Buildings are not over-complicated. They don’t try too hard. Instead, they let the materials do the work, with wood playing the central role. Strong yet flexible, humble yet beautiful — timber becomes a bridge between people, their homes, and the natural world.

That philosophy inspires me because it reminds me that architecture isn’t just about shapes and structures. It’s about connection. It’s about creating spaces where people can feel calm, balanced, and closer to the world outside their walls. For me, that’s what makes Japanese architecture, and its use of wood, so powerful.