Seitō Gakusha

The Seitō Gakusha is a wooden house in Miyake that uses railroad ties as its main building material and stands out visibly from other structures in the area. The building shows a mix of wooden framing with embedded railroad ties that shape both its appearance and structural integrity.

Architect Susumu Takasuga designed this house, and its innovative use of railroad ties quickly made it stand out in architectural discussions. The building later received an AIJ Prize, establishing it as a recognized example in the field.

The building shows how local builders merged traditional woodworking methods with unexpected materials in ways that still catch people's attention today. Visitors can see how the railroad ties are woven into the walls and structural elements, creating the house's distinctive character.

The house is located in Miyake and can be viewed from outside, with the railroad tie construction visible from various angles. Take time during a visit to observe the details of the wooden framing and how the ties are arranged throughout the structure.

The house was built from old railroad ties, making it an unusual example of industrial material reuse in residential design. This practical choice of materials gives the building its distinctive dark color and rough texture that catches visitors' eyes.