This study is to find out the design concept of asymmetrical building with 4 purlins mainly in Sungkyunkwan(Confucian Shrines), Changgyeonggung palace and Changdeokgung palace The results are as follows: First, asymmetrical building with 4 purlins has the same height pillars, which was useful to control the side lenght and put a higher pillar without limit. Second, the side length of the asymmetrical building with 4 purlins is between 12 to 14 Ja[尺]. It's relatively longer than the minimum length(12 Ja) of 5 purlins architecture seen in later Joseon dynasty. Third, asymmetrical building with 4 purlins was not an anomalous structure when compared to 3 purlins and 5 purlins. It was actually a traditional style, unlike the current architectural recognition nowadays, which mainly focused on the balanced roof structure. These examples show that the architectures in Early Joseon dynasty were planned and constructed first according to the plane division that fit in a specific use or space.
This study examines on the structural Methods between purlin and beam at Wooden Architecture in Joseon Dynasty(1372~1910). Through the investigation, it is verified that the structural methods between purlin and beam is the technique utilizing tenon joint(통장부맞춤), Sungeoteok joint(숭어턱맞춤), dovetailed tenon joint(주먹장맞춤). And the methods of tenon joint is followed by the Sungeoteok joint, which is used in the buildings after middle Joseon dynasty. The method of tenon joint(통장부맞춤) is to connect the beam with the purlin by carving out the head of the beam as '一' shape. And the structural methods between Janghyeo(장혀, timber under purlin) and beam is halved joint(반턱맞춤) and tenon joint (통장부맞춤). The buildings in late Goryeo Dynasty and Joseon Dynasty adopted the method of tenon joint between purlin and beam. The method of Sungeoteok joint is to connect the beam with the purlins by carving out the head of the beams '凸' shape. And the structural methods between Janghyeo and beams is halved joint(반턱맞춤) and tenon joint(통장부맞춤), the method of tenon and step joint(통장부턱맞춤), dovetailed joint between beam and Janghyeo to increase the security of shear force.