studio mi · ka

studio mi · ka · ge

design for living comfortably and naturally, based on climate

I design for comfort and delight, not to make a statement.

My goal is to build a reasoned response to
local climate conditions
client's needs, and
the possibilities of the site
using local, natural, and sustainable materials.

My hope for the user is that they find delight in the play of sunlight, the feel of the materials, and the comfort and convenience of their surroundings, in a rational structure that can be useful for many generations.

publications

Wood, Mold, and Japanese ArchitectureTraditional Japanese architecture’s reliance on wood as a building material developed largely in response to Japan’s humid environment—particularly the warm, wet summer months. Raised floors and open spaces ensured proper ventilation to fight the buildup of toxic mold. Wood post-and-beam construction is also useful when designing for typhoon and earthquake resistance.

Best Face Forward: The Magic of Japanese CarpentryWood is wood, you might think, but a skilled carpenter has many choices to make. How the wood will be used is determined not only by hardness, smell, and color, but also by its keshōmen, the “decorative face” that results from how it is cut from the log.

studio mi · ka · ge

contact studio.mikage@gmail.com