True Carpentry and Consruction

I am Oto Seiler and I founded True Carpentry and Construction in 2012 but I have been working in timber construction for 10 years. I have been lucky enough to lead an interesting professional path; after secondary and university education in the UK my apprenticeship was conducted with Kumakura construction, Kyoto - my family home, where I spent four years learning the arts of traditional and modern Japanese constructional carpentry. Kumakura is a very well respected company frequently invited to work on important national projects or sites of historical interest in Kyoto; Japan’s former capital city hosts a significant number of historical buildings. Japanese carpentry relies on highly accurate construction, in an earthquake-prone country architecture has evolved to create very robust, solid constructions whilst respecting the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and clean lines. The traditional buildings are constructed of wood – predominantly Japanese cedar and Japanese Cypress (hinoki). During my apprenticeship I had the honour of working at Kyoto Imperial Palace (Katsura), The Nationally significant Hiiragiya Ryokan (Traditional Hotel), Shrines, Temples and “Machiyas” (town houses). I also had the honour to work on some “Chashitsu” (traditional tea houses). Please speak to me if you would like to learn more about Japanese architecture or have queries about how it could apply to your project. I moved to Cornwall in 2009, where I have worked with many local craftsmen including oak framers, thatchers and joiners. Again, working alongside experts in their fields, I have had the opportunity to apply my skills to many projects and learn how to use European oak framing and construction skills myself, though working in and around the southwest including restoration, modern oak framing and complete building projects. I use my experience and exacting attention to detail in every project. Through excellent ties with other local craftsmen we are ready to undertake projects large or small - please get in touch for more information.