Japanese Architecture Unusual Mechanisms Air conditioning Is the Ancient Storehouse Shosoin Air Conditioned? shosoin Shosoin is a storehouse at Todaiji Temple in Nara, built in the middle of the 8th century to preserve the temple's treasures. These treasures number about 9,000 and range from clothes, furniture, musical instruments, and toys to weaponry. Some were brought from China, Korea, and even faraway Persia. The number and quality of preservation of the treasures has won Shosoin the name "Treasure House of the World." But how is it possible for a building to preserve such treasures for over a millennium in Japan's hot and humid climate? The primary secret lies in the building's architectural structure, known as azekurazukuri. Azekura The walls are constructed of horizontally stacked azeki, or cross-sections of lumber. A similar method is seen in Scandinavia, Russia, and North America. In Shosoin, each cross-section is triangular (strictly speaking, hexagular), which acts to efficiently drain water, resist wearing, and prevent permeation of damp air into the storehouse through wood's natural tendency to expand as it absorbs moisture. As the ambient air dries, the lumber shrinks, promoting ventilation through spaces in the wall. This natural air conditioning has kept the inside of the storehouse dry and preserved the treasures for centuries. Another feature of the storehouse is its elevated structure. The raised floor structure, unique to Japan, ensures sufficient ventilation underneath to keep the inside dry. Different hypotheses have been made as to the functioning of Shosoin's air conditioning, but there is no doubt as to its excellent performance. All images Copyright. 1997 Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office. All Rights Reserved.