The art of Japanese joinery has been around for centuries but provides great insight into the most efficient way of material use. This involves understanding the material's strengths and weaknesses. The efficiency of a cut or weld is the result of years of training. A true master-and-apprentice environment, where the skills are being developed.
We often see great examples of historic joinery during our site visits which have stood the test of time because it is a result of amazing craft and experience.

Credit: 準建築人手札網站 Forgemind ArchiMedia is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Credit: Gribiche is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Credit: Creative Commons
Timber structures relied on skill, rule of thumb and very few metal fixings or bracketry.

Credit: Creative Commons

Credit: Creative Commons
Think Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hours rule. The simplicity of a design takes time. Time to conceive an idea, time to execute, and 10 000 hours of expertise.