The Elegant Earthquake-Proof Home

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HOUSE IN HAMAMATSU, 窪江建築設計事務所 窪江建築設計事務所 Modern houses
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When earthquakes strike, they can devastate lives. 

Though many of them barely register on the Richter scale, a large one can rip apart a home. In moments, families can lose everything. Japan in particular is a country that is very aware of the problems that earthquakes can pose, and their architects have taken swift steps to ensure than new homes are as protected as possible.

That's what Kuboe was hoping to achieve when they built this single-storey family abode. After growing up in the Shizuoka Prefecture—a region that experiences many strong earthquakes—the architect decided to build a beautiful house that would also be able to withstand a natural disaster. Let's take a closer look…

Strong and secure

The single-storey house sprawls across its plot, making sure that space is not sacrificed due to the lack of a second floor. 

The facade is crisp, minimal, and modern, but don't go thinking that this house is about style over substance. Those strong concrete walls are built to withstand tremors, and they do a pretty good job of keeping out intruders, too. It's an impenetrable fortress dressed up as a stylish contemporary home.

A glowing patio

Once you take a walk to the rear of the house, the picture changes dramatically. No longer putting up a tough face to the world, the home opens up and becomes a warm, welcoming space for a family to live and relax together.

Huge French doors open the living room to the outdoors, letting light flow in from either side. The exposed concrete of the front facade is replaced by polished wood and a pristine lawn.

A sensual living room

The interior of the living room definitely looks sturdy enough to withstand an earthquake, but it doesn't scrimp on style. Elegant recessed lighting is implanted into the wooden ceiling, which contrasts in tone with the lighter wooden flooring. 

A low sofa sits opposite a minimal TV stand, and other low reclining chairs and stools can be pulled close if the family want to watch a movie together.

Open to the elements

This house is far from straightforward! Little corridors lead to a small secret interior courtyard with a patio, framed by French doors and low-level exterior lighting. 

Looking up, all we can see is an expanse of dusky blue sky. It's an ideal retreat, a coccoon for anyone looking to forget the stresses of modern life for an hour or two.

Compartments and children's play areas

The home is organised into compartments, rather than rooms, which means that each space has a huge window, and that light can flow through the entirety of the home without coming up against a wall. 

This space is a small, minimal area for children's play. Toys lie on the floor, but we're sure that both the kids and the parents would prefer to play outside in the safe confines of their shielded garden!

This house represents the best of functional, safe Japanese design. To see a similar dwelling, check out this delightful single family home!

Would you feel safe in this beautiful home? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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