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Foraged fiber cord
I’ve become interested in the fiber plants that grow wild at 555. Over the late summer, I learned that the nettles which grow like weeds all around the property are useful. They are food in spring, but as they grow they become excellent fiber plants. With enough processing, they can be used to make baskets,…
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Under the floor
The team built the underfloor support structure last week and it looks so cool. Each concrete pier is glued to the cement, a buffer of waterproofing between the cement and the wooden support column. Termite proof, just about. The supports hold up heavy floor beams which are also carved into the daodai at either end.…
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Roof edges
Today was the final design meeting for the roof sheeting. All the details were ironed out and questions answered with examples in 1:1 scale. Every edge, nook, corner, and exposed part was reviewed and agreed. The galvalume arrived at the end of last week – two thin stacks. It looks like there is almost nothing…
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Places where cats sit
Yesterday, a stranger came to look at the house we’ll be leaving when we move up to 555. It’s still months away, but we’ve put the word out that we’re looking for someone to replace us. Mr. Yasuda, our landlord, will appreciate continued rent income and this is a good “starter house” for someone new…
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Gorgeous logotype
I felt nostalgic when I came across a stack of old Family Circle magazines at Soro Soro Bread Studio. Family Circle was a staple of my childhood reading, full of home economics articles and recipes. It’s been years since I’ve seen one, but it went on without me and finally stopped publishing in 2019 after…
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Busy morning at 555
I went up to the genba this morning to check in. I knew the electrician was due to arrive and I wanted to talk to him. I was surprised by how many people came in the three hours I was there! Sasaki-san and his brother were laboring, of course. They are busy working on floor…
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DIY Custom Daybook
Do you use an appointment book, journal or diary for your daily planning? From the time I started working in an office (last century!) to my current life as a freelance designer, I have used an assortment of calendar books, diaries, and executive planners to keep track of tasks and appointments. Though I have updated…
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Cosy cats
Cats are masters of seeking comfort and warmth. Here are some shots of Maura, Fritter and Beryl showing off their skills.
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Distal Focus
This morning, I watched an Instagram Reel about shoulder pain that got me thinking. A Tokyo-based physical therapist, Sam Gilbert, demonstrated how the body increases or reduces pain depending on how you focus attention. If you lift your arm to test the injured shoulder, your mind is focussed on the painful part and it hurts.…
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Scale Model Roof
Teramoto-san and Sasaki-san have been sharing expertise and techniques since the start of the project. I feel like 555 is their practice house; its design and construction involve a lot of experiments on both sides as the vernacular construction of southern Chiba meets modern design process – and add in a dollop of foreign preferences,…
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