Japanese Foundation Structure Explained! - Dodai (土台) - Setting up the Dodai (Foundation Beams)

In this video, we go into greater detail explaining how to set up the Dodai (土台) or foundation structure of a Japanese house. Installing the Dodai is extremely important and requires a higher degree of accuracy and exactness because in the coming days the rest of the structure will be built on top of this foundation assembly.
We go into detail about marking the Dodai so that we can install a special washer and nut assembly. This is an important step which requires us to mark each beam where there is a threaded rod embedded into the recently poured concrete foundation. There is a lot more that is working behind the scenes before we get this point, but that will be better shared in another video. The foundation beams once marked, positioned, and the holes drilled, has to be installed and leveled several times before we can start the building up of the main structure. We use laser levels and spacers (or packing) to help ensure that the top surface of the Dodai is perfectly level. Failing to do this part accurately well cause problems with the main structure not fitting right.
We hope you enjoy this video as we try to go as much in depth about setting up the Dodai as possible.
#carpentrylife #japanesewoodworking #japanesejoinery #carpenter #大工

[@Haplo-san]

I've never seen such a clean construction site before.

[@AnonUser18]

Because they are more like artists not workers.

[@sulblazer]

Not to mention quiet...

[@valdius85]

Because otherwise the neightbours will complain :)

[@jesushuerta1852]

More than likely because it is about quality and not about quantity. If you can find a quality construction company here in the states, their worksite is also impeccable. Hard to find but they exist.

[@____________________________.x]

Was just thinking that

[@noxew]

It's really awesome to have a native English speaker and professional Japanese carpenter do thiels kind of content. Thank you! Hope you keep going.

[@ordiv12345]

At 06:54 I saw a guy wearing a vest with a fan on it.

[@SourdoughVideo]

The only time you see this kind of detail in a structure in the US is when a timber frame carpenter builds their own house. It’s really beautiful.

[@williamsmith7221]

In the US its called economics. In Japan its called earthquakes. Fricken cynical bum.

[@johnarnold893]

Not nearly as earthquake proof as North American standards. During the Kobe Quake there was a subdivision built to British Columbia standards and all those building got were some cracked plaster but the Japanese post and beam construction all fell down.

[@Chris-hw4mq]

Stupidity at its best, simple is better. Thats why these people live in small cage like houses probably a normal house costs a fortune with these building techniques

[@mos8541]

well my old teacher/boss forced us to 1/16 inch for general and ZERO for staircases, he was a Master Carpenter with around 35plus years in framing, rough and finish carpentry.

[@joshbarr118]

@@johnarnold893 That's interesting because B.C standards are fairly low in some areas. We just went up a level this year.

[@choimdachoim9491]

I'm impressed by the concrete work. Never seen such perfection of angles and finish on a foundation.

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

To be fair the foundation walls are only 20 inches tall.

[@TrFusion]

​@@Christoph-sd3zi Come and witness the meticulous details of Japanese buildings, where accuracy and perfection reach unparalleled levels. You will be convinced of their exceptional skill in constructing structures, setting the highest standards in the world.

[@ryanmolloy5421]

gotta build these houses to withstand tsunami and earthquakes. The japanese don't play around, and understandably so.

[@redcrafterlppa303]

​@@ryanmolloy5421 earth quakes yes. The seperation from the concrete creates room for vibrations to spread and flatten out. Tsunamis not so much. There isn't really much you can do against a strong water current. The foundation showcased in this video will likely survive but the dovetails won't hold the pillars even with support beams. The pillars will fold down collapsing the house. But luckily wooden houses aren't that costly to rebuild especially on an existing strong foundation.

[@ryanmolloy5421]

@@redcrafterlppa303 I meant more like just high water. You are right nothing will withstand a torrent of water.

[@211teitake]

Just wanted to let you know as a Japanese dude, I've learned a lot from your video. I applaud you for getting into these industries infamous for the rigid traditional ways and your boss for the flexibility in accepting you as an apprentice.

[@drwombat]

Are Japanese construction sites as clean as this s common and expected thing?

[@211teitake]

​@@drwombatThis site looks so clean that it almost looks bare. However, the Japanese construction sites especially the residential homes tend to be very clean because homeowners often come check on the progress and begin introducing themselves to the neighbors. They usually go around before the construction begins to apologize for the noise and inconvenience. Give some gifts. So what the contractors do are seen as the homeowner's behavior. The contractors know this so they are usually very good about keeping the site clean. On the other hand, larger commercial buildings tend to be more catered and less well-kept based on my casual observation.

[@drwombat]

@@211teitake oh wow this is VERY insightful

[@NSResponder]

I'd love to see how that foundation was poured. A variation of only 5mm in height is impressive.

[@ChrisModjeska]

I know absolutely nothing, but it kind of looks like prefab concrete blocks? The edge corners seem to be all one piece as well.

[@ismu34]

They pour the slab first, then use reusable forms to do the stem walls. So the slab is probably pretty close and then with the forms they can get it just about perfect

[@AORD72]

It is not hard to do you just need competent people and a theodolite or similar.

[@Zerpersande]

@@ismu34 Exactly. My house was built using 2x4 techniques but the foundation was of standard Japanese design. I wanted to have a hole running through the foundation so before it was poured I cut a section of PVC pipe and forced it between the inner and outer walls.

[@Zerpersande]

This is not the ‘standard’ house, is it? The foundation is, but this type of post and beam is usually only found in more expensive houses. Note: Just watched the first part again. Those are hinoki beams? Very expensive wood so definitely not a standard house.

[@bryanc.6532]

The wood material itself is already a work of art. Nicely done!!! 👍👍

[@NSResponder]

Very impressed by the precision I see here. Wish American builders routinely took this level of pride in their work.

[@e4d578]

Well it's really not like that. American builders need to build at-scale and volumes different than Japanese construction crews for homes. Americans are quite skilled and smart.

[@justanothercommercial]

I agree. Every american expects a single family house and a car. This scale is not possible nor sustainable for other places. Often housing developments are built hundreds of houses at a time. I imagine the house in the video is for a wealthy individual?

[@cartmanrlsusall]

We never get the time for fussy precision when building in the USA.

[@libby2979]

@@e4d578 Skilled & Smart? sure but the main comment talk also about "pride" , now compare the Japanese & American culture then talk about "pride" at work, Enlighten me with your knowledge .

[@e4d578]

@@libby2979 My first job was with Japanese construction. I think many Americans have just as much pride but also need to consider volume, so some things matter and some don't.

[@kingofcastlechaos]

Having began my adult life building houses and now in IT here in the US, I can say with authority that my crew would have screwed up the hold down fastener itself from step one, and it would have gone downhill from there. That was 40 yrs ago when we had apprentices, so it terrifies me how bad it is today. I am impressed on so many levels- starting at the formwork/finish for the concrete- stunning!

[@weirjf]

I love seeing the modern construction materials blended with the traditional proven carpentry and joint cuts. You guys do great work.

[@stevenwild39]

Japanese carpentry is amazing. So much precision and care goes into every part of the frame. Unlike Australia where dozens of errors are fixed with extra nails or an offcut or not at all.

[@Anton_Sinitsyn]

😀😀👍 ты ещё не видел как в России строят

[@cookdislander4372]

New Zealand sucks in comparison too

[@marty3194]

the craftsmenship and precision is unmatched compared to other countries, shows also alot of respect for the client

[@jimbeam-ru1my]

not really. they are building a disposable house that will have no value within 20 years. Japanese homes aren't a store of value like in the US.

[@peterderycke5766]

Also respect for the wood.

[@andrewpeterson5882]

This is one of the most satisfying videos I think I've ever watched. I think you have to have done a little bit of building to understand just how difficult it is to get all of the pieces of this project to fit together so smoothly. The concrete foundation has to be poured to such tight tolerances, the curing and milling of those wood beams has to be done so perfectly, the measuring of the bolt locations has to be literally perfect, the hand drilling of the bolt holes has to be spot on along perfect along two axes, and the joints have to be cut so, so precisely... I mean, just looking at those toshibashira joints waiting to receive the corner posts makes me break out in a sweat, I would never attempt anything like that because my cuts would be slightly off and the post wouldn't fit. So freaking impressive.

[@johnhernlund539]

I think a lot of people are intimidated by these apparent challenges, however, there are methods to achieve the needed precision and it may not be as difficult as one might think after a little practice. It is worth giving it a try...of course, beginning with a smaller project and some practice joints. Just be sure your chisels are sharp!

[@SupraSav]

You know what they say - measure twice cut once. Unfortunately, that implies people know how to use a tape measure correctly. That often doesn't seem to be the case.

[@mos8541]

REALLY great info, and vid and craftsmanship, interesting mix of modern and traditional, and little western with Japanese. Really cool bro

[@rolandgdean]

12:30 WOW! That has to be a mountain of maths to get all that to meet up properly in the end! I've built a LOT of modular structures with similar connections before and I've NEVER put all the pieces in place and locked down BEFORE the connecter that joins them. Wow! Intense respect for doing this this way...the precision coordination required across multiple people or even whole crews to do this like this is astounding to me. We have a hard time here just finding someone to clear trash in a proper manner...wow.

[@nagranoth_]

Actually you try to avoid doing math as much as possible. It's more a matter of getting the measurements right, and copying your measurements from one piece to another so that if you're off by a tiny bit at least you're off by the exact same amount everywhere so everything will still fit. That's why the guy was measuring out where the bolts are in the concrete compared to the chalk line. Those thin pencil marks he uses is probably the coarsest they'll go, the joinery itself would've been marked with a knife because you can't get pencils marks accurate enough.

[@mefobills279]

A high IQ population is always desirable. Japan should NOT immigrate low IQ foreigners. Dumb people cannot do complexity.

[@NileGold]

The amount of thought and careful work that goes into this is amazing, i want to buy the house just from seeing this

[@karremania]

We been to a construction site a few years ago, where many of 'us' constructors felt it was way over complicated and rather slow paced (just doing the foundation can easy take up days, we wrap it up in max a day), the sheer accuracy is basicly mesmerizing. The entire process from concrete pooring (plus groundwork) to the skeleton structure is all measured down to milimeters, no wiggle, no slack, it fits insanely tight. Though we mostly build fully concrete (walls, foundation) wich have a huge margin due to hardening, their buildprocess is considerable longer (we done tops 12 months, often less, where avarage japanse house can go 1-1,5 years), it really is a quality over quantity story. I hope to visit US sites this or next year, we in Europe just have a complete different material/construction approuch that such insane accurate measurements are just 'brushed away' with some extra drywalls and we accept nothing is perfect (they showed us a room that was to the mm 420x420mm, where ours done often vary upto 1-3cm each side).

[@assai74]

It opens my heart to see the value put in the work and the product. Respect to japan people from Germany!

[@anumrabadam9678]

Change the title to "American carpenter en Japan" and will increase to 7 millions of viewers in two weeks! A job well done! congrats!

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thank you.

[@T_Kazahaya]

丁寧で綺麗な仕事をする大工さんたちだなあ。日本の大工さんでもこういう建前が出来る大工さんはどんどん減っているので貴重です。

[@dmentd75]

Thank you for documenting and sharing your hands on experiences; truly enjoyed learning Japanese home building joinery techniques

[@zax1972]

This is cabinetry level carpentry on a house foundation, amazing!

[@brunoks6951]

"Measure twice, cut once" doesn't make enought justice to your work guys. Beautifull carpentry!

[@metatechhd]

👏🏼🌳🏠 The craftsmanship and attention to detail in traditional Japanese construction is truly impressive. It's inspiring to see how the foundation beams, or Dodai, are carefully laid out and leveled to create a sturdy base for the building. It's a shame that we don't see more of this kind of precision and care in modern construction, especially in the US. This video serves as a reminder of the beauty and value of traditional building techniques.

[@rich6023]

The joinery really caught my eye, and the care taken in marking and drilling the anchor bolt holes for what appears to be sill plates is just fascinating to me. Artisan joinery requires very accurate measurement, marking and experienced craftsmanship all of which I witnessed in this video. Learned something about chestnut which I didn't know. Outstanding work. I am glad I found this video.

[@chriskirkemo2522]

Foundation assembly was the first video I watched on your channel. Every part of the process is interesting and you do a great job going into all the relevant details. Hope you guys are having a nice weekend.

[@BenlshTracker]

its insane how straight you drill with such long drill bits

[@JV-pu8kx]

Getting it _started_ is the trick!

[@car9167]

maybe not made in china

[@NsyShwl]

Once you get used to it, it's not that hard.. you kind of have like an internal level which allows you to drill straight using sight alone..

[@KDM16AAB]

Really cool video. Japanese carpentry has always mistified me and the way everything just fits together. Wonderful stuff.

[@phdgaming8972]

if you ever decide to return the states, i can see you leading massive workshops teaching framers who have clients interested in this type of construction. this content is one of a kind

[@JohnRowley]

You are such a brilliant teacher and film maker: really excellent, clear, concise explinations. I was already interested in the subject matter but your films really increase my interest, thank you.

[@marcograca3559]

Very impressive the time and detail put into it! Keep up the great work!

[@countpicula]

Japanese wood work is another lvl. New favorite channel.

[@Mikej1592]

impressive, I love this kind of thing, and really love the attention to detail and how much work and effort is put into this level of construction. I am absolutely in love with Japanese wood working and the quality of workmanship that goes into all the fine details. Wooden structures built completely without metal nails standing for thousands of years.

[@rollysj384]

Japanese house construction is really an art.

[@ironwilltattooclub6116]

Absolutely incredible precision and pride in that foundation

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

This is really Hand crafting a building. Since my early youth, Japanese culture has fascinated me. Such a wealth of Knowledge and precision in application, working along with the forces of Nature. Thankyou for your videos.

[@WoodworkingWarrior]

Such interesting methods. Love learning new ways of constructing things.

[@SnowchaDesign]

OMG, hands down! This is such beautiful workmanship and technique. Super Cool! I've just finished building my first house in New Mexico. I designed and drafted the floor plan myself (it's not a Japanese style though, a simple minimalistic house), but during the building stage, I had to compromise on every single detail because my builder and contractors didn't closely follow the design, leading to all the details becoming so messy. As a Japanese, I was really disappointed by the lack of workmanship. But, I've learned the hard way. Watching your video has been incredibly thrilling for me. I'm planning to build an outdoor sauna using Japanese construction methods myself. Thank you for this video; I'm definitely going to watch more.

[@acewinters3855]

The attention to detail of how the wood lines up with the anchor rods to make the frame perfectly flush to the edge of the slab is so nice. American construction companies would just let it be crooked with gaps and overlaps 😂.

[@kwidzius]

If you think that American constructions are a bit messy you should come to the UK. The whole UK construction industry doesn't know the concept of a right angle.

[@coca_0146]

@@kwidzius Wait untill you see brazillian construction companies.

[@marhar2]

This is beautiful craftsmanship, and interesting to understand the practical experience that led to this kind of design. Also, your filmmaking and explanations are great, it makes it so clear as to what is going on!

[@OrigMaelstrom]

Such beautiful attention to detail and precision. It's just an absolute pleasure to see such craftsmanship!

[@hermanklunder789]

@Phillip Banes Stop trolling man

[@ferencszabo3504]

The building precision is insane!

[@h2s142]

Those anchor bolt nuts are sweet. What a great way to avoid layout issues in flooring/wall systems

[@joschmoyo4532]

Ah, the life of a craftsman. I wouldn't change it for the world. Excellent video. Thank you so much for making the time to share these skills. I envy you a bit sometimes. I would love to work in Japan.

[@stephenbachmann1171]

Would you? They would love to have apprentices. It's hard, long hours for quite little pay though. I can even hook you up with one.

[@Liquid188]

Very impressive to see the techniques from different building styles.

[@BENjAs010]

I can't thank you enough for the info of your videos. I have been eager to learn japanese carpentry and this is just amazing

[@johnhernlund539]

In Tokyo I usually see a ~1-inch thick wide rubber gasket placed onto the ribs of the concrete foundation (instead of elm/keyaki pieces used in this video), and then the wood is bolted on top of that. As far as I understand, this is to allow the house to move/flex in an earthquake by relieving stress. It also forms a kind of seal to keep water out of the contact (although the underside of the house itself is ventilated with ports in the concrete foundation in order to prevent mold).

[@MischievousBastard]

Never seen a site that neat before. You lads have taken a lot of pride in this and I'm here for it

[@jimbeam-ru1my]

"Never seen a site that neat before." that's because everything they are using was precut at a factory. it's just assembled on site.

[@hermanklunder789]

@@jimbeam-ru1my Custom Carpenters in Japan do that in a workshop mostly by hand .

[@GeoRedtick]

Wow, amazing detail and craftsmanship for house framing.

[@BigRick50]

Incredible that houses are built with such precision.

[@J297WFD]

Lived in Japan for 7 years I always watched them build it’s fascinating!

[@namahagehardware]

thank you for explaining important matter. in the case of a Nuno-Kiso (布基礎)/Beta-Kiso (べた基礎), Dodai (土台) is bolted to the concrete foundation. in the case of a Ishiba-Date (石場建て), stone foundation will be Hikari-Tsuke (光付け).

[@bobjons7]

Absolutely amazing craftsmanship! The joinery is amazing and strong! Such an amazing concrete pour. Corners are so clean as is every square inch of the pour. The craftsmanship is jaw dropping. Thank you for sharing. From the province of Saskatchewan in Canada…have an awesome day🙂.

[@johngormley2192]

Very intwresting construction method. I hope to follow the entire build. Learning how the construction methods developed the way they are is fascinating.

[@darylfortney8081]

After watching a few of these videos I definitely want a Japanese carpenter to build my house no matter where it is. Attention to detail and craftsmanship is top shelf.

[@rcpmac]

This reminds me of a builder I met in 2000 who was hired to come to Japan to train carpenters in western stick construction style. They also hired trainers in plumbing and HVAC in order to become more efficient.

[@default587]

Its So satisfying to see the japanese construction culture

[@anderssrensen7533]

see that is what i call a good old woodworking, so nice to see, looks really really really awsome and beauty, cant wait for next vid :D

[@j-vlog002]

this was so insightful! Loved it!!

[@williamrobert7359]

I don't usually leave comments, but I just had to say thanks. I really love this type of video, it's really relaxing and instructing as well, the way you break down each step is really nice. Keep up the good work ! :)

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thank you!

[@_camuz]

Love this type of construction and level of craftsmanship. I wish I could be working in construction in Japan some day. Thanks for your detailed explanation.

[@musharioh]

Listen to how quiet and soothing this construction site is!

[@sistahsunshine]

Very interesting. Clean simple and well explained. Thank you

[@jeanious2009]

NICE, clean work, perfection, lots of pride.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

everything looks extremely clean

[@EvilMAiq]

Truly a perfectionist's paradise.

[@KKHChon79]

Subscribed.Great introduction! Love this かっこいい外人の職人さん！❤

[@wernerpetersen]

Keep em coming!

[@geekazoid]

This is an amazing technique with such respect for precision. I love it.

[@gaborlubiga6524]

Very interesting and informative video, explained it clearly and simply. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@balazsczene1642]

It's not construction mate. It's ART!! :) Just found Your chanel, so i've got a lot to watch

[@MrRaphisan]

Amazing work, thanks for your detailed information

[@10p6]

Impressive workmanship.

[@em20245]

Wow!!! The precision!

[@JDelta777]

Very cool to see this in contrast to what we do in the US, thanks for the effort.

[@jesusmoreno4501]

Amazing content! Keep it coming please

[@MarceneiroFDS]

The concrete has an impressive finish. so smooth!

[@VH-gw3qi]

My OCD loves it, all so neat, accurate, clean ….. beautiful 😍

[@Klipse11]

This is so pure and so amazing.

[@Dustmadeout]

Thank you. Although I'm from Europe and usually I design stone homes, sometimes comes a house made from wood. It's totally different to what I see here and it's very interesting.

[@marianmatusik8818]

I should see that video before I build my house. Incredible .

[@nanaandbump.]

This is so cool, thanks for sharing!

[@robertm4919]

Great video. Make sure we find you when we move to Yokohama from Oregon!

[@gerryhartung736]

Amazing explainations. Very well done.

[@thecarpentrylife]

Thank you!

[@alex.germany]

So well explained. Love it.

[@LukePighetti]

Subscribed. Don't stop.

[@jbay088]

Just found your channel. Looking forward to seeing the rest! If you haven't already done a video about it, I'd be very interested in your story of how you came to work as a carpenter in Japan.

[@krytharn]

Mindblowing! That's next-level carpentry. Looking at the architecture of the houses around the construction site, it's almost a shame that same attention to detail is not given to the plain walls and windows.

[@ForgeAheadwithMike]

Wow that integrated washer/nut is super cool. I didn’t know those existed (of course, we don’t have cool stuff like that in the States). Such nice work and craftsmanship.

[@WhoTakesAllMyAcNames]

awesome video! love the detailed explanation of everything, as just going i drilled this hole has no meaning but alot of channels go that route.

[@user-qp4vj9ff4z]

大工仕事より基礎に目が行ってしまう、今まで見たことが無い正確できれいな基礎です

[@chrisgriffith1573]

This makes me want to design a new type of foundation for an adaptation to new American style materials. SO much craftsmanship in this.

[@nick21614]

Then you'd realize using concrete footers with engineered joists is stronger and faster than this method of building and use that like everyone else 😂😂

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

I would imagine that if this kind of joinery were code compliant, it would have to be CNC machined and assembled in a factory to keep costs to a minimum.

[@__K__B__]

@@nick21614 Is the Japanese technique more earthquake resistant maybe?

[@nick21614]

@@__K__B__ Nope

[@tad3900]

Absolutely astounding. Been doing foundations for years.... What you are putting in the mudsill would be fine finish carpentry anywhere in America.

[@mattro7107]

I live in NYC so this video is helping me get my mind off all the atrocious new condos being built everywhere

[@csabarittling8980]

This video is very useful. Awesome! Thanks!

[@Grischka44]

So interesting, thanks for the explanation 👍🏻

[@deborahf3738]

Great detail, thanks.

[@joesantos3717]

How could you not feel good living in a home with so much perfection and attention to detail...I guess thats where it starts as a culture, perfect harmony from workers, no bitching about salary, stupid jokes about beers after work..just a meticulous pride from the cleanest job site I've ever seen to joinery that's an art form....no wonder the Japanese are such perfectionists.

[@davidhill3724]

what pride in the craftsmanship

[@amyasseektruth8246]

it is wonderful to see this. Absolutely amazing!!!

[@Paktofon90]

keep up the good work