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Bioregionalism
Ms. Takeda stands displaying the unique pegs used in the KST houses. 99.10.22/ Temperature: 6C/ Weather: Partly cloudy/Wind Direction: W
Start: Noboribetsu/Latitude: 42 27 23 N / Longitude: 141 11 25 E
Destination: Muroran Ferry Terminal / Latitude: 42 19 30 N / Longitude: 140 58 39 E
Distance Traveled: 28kmA large sign the shape of Hokkaido stood out over the road. "House of Hokkaido" the sign read. Venturing inside, I discovered plenty about houses in Hokkaido and also about the idea of "bioregionalism."
Sore from yesterday's walk, I limped along highway 36. Shuddering wind and the constant noise created by the rumble of cars and trucks and a haze of automobile exhaust contrasted greatly with the beauty of the rolling ocean to the east. I wondered when I would next meet silence and clean air.
Toward the outskirts of Muroran I came across "KST Hokkaido", a company working to build houses specifically for Hokkaido. "We design houses for Hokkaido as a bioregion," said Ms. Takeda, Muroran Manager. I learned that a bioregion is a region defined by its climate, soil, and ecosystem. Hokkaido is considered to be one bioregion. Ms. Takeda explained that "The long, cold and snowy winters are specific to this region and the way people live needs to suit this environment."
The company strives to build homes that suit the region and are making new attempts at achieving bioregionalism. Bioregionalism is the idea that in every bioregion there are people who seek to become economically independent, create a cyclical society, maintain a good balance with nature, and make the most of local resources. "The houses that we build take into account Hokkaido's cold weather, large amounts of snow, and the need for heating."
The company has come up with all kinds of innovations to suit both the living needs of people in Hokkaido as well as the entire bioregion itself. Ms. Takeda explained about the houses. "Our roofs are design so snow doesn't fall endangering people or falling over into one's neighbor's yard. Our double glass windows conserve the heat used in the houses. The air ventilation we have created is good for the life of the house as well as the lives of those living inside it. We also use natural materials which don't cause illnesses found in many new houses."
Next I was informed about how KST is utilizing local resources. "We use as much lumber from Hokkaido as possible and are doing research about how to utilize more," said Takeda. "We have even developed methods to combine small pieces of wood to create large pillars. This way we can use lumber to its fullest."
Treating Hokkaido as one single bioregion the company aims to support the local economy, they are taking measures to build in harmony with Hokkaido's nature, and the health and safety of the people living here is given priority. Though I stumbled upon this idea of bioregionalism in Hokkaido, there must be ways in which all of your families and local communities have adjusted to the needs of your climate and region.
Greg
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