tsunami safe(r) house

| THE HOUSE |

TRADITIONAL HOUSE

TSUNAMI SAFE(R) HOUSE: 4 SMALLER CORES stronger than one big one | similar shape | similar technology and materials

TSUNAMI SAFE(R) HOUSE: structural analysis by buro happold shows that new design is 5 times stronger than traditional design

| THE CORE | core variations

plan variations

| FLEXIBILITY | core + plan variations

| POROSITY | In order to maximize the resistance to an incoming tsunami, four independent linear supports

, perpendicular to the coast are created.They replace the uniform skin of the exisitng design.

| UPGRADABILITY | Bamboo partitions are initially provided inbetween the cores; they can be transformed

and customized, engaging the residents with their individual choices, also promotes the reuse of found elements.

| EXPANDABILITY | A modular system allows the expansion of units to accommodate different household sizes.

| ECONOMY | The total surface of walls and roof is approximately the same as the existing house.

The cost would be equal or less.

| LOW TECH | Walls are made of concrete blocks strengthened with rebars; the roof is made with traditional

wooden elements, covered with tiles or tin; partitions are made of recycled materials.

| COMFORT | The porous structure promotes natural ventilations and sun shading, ameliorating internal comfort.

prajnopaya foundation, mit > http://www.prajnopaya.org

senseable city lab, mit > http://senseable.mit.edu/

tsunami design initiative, harvard gsd > http://projects.gsd.harvard.edu/tsunami

copyrights. 2005