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If asked to describe a home that could withstand 85 mph winds and 300 mph side waves, most people would probably think of a concrete bunker.
But the residence designed by Washington Design Northwest Architects—the Tsunami House—is ultra-modern and fit for the pages of Good Housekeeping. What’s more, its ability to withstand disaster is nowhere near what the Bible says it should be.
It is located in Puget Sound, a region known for its seismic activity, according to a unique design report by Fine Homebuilding (FH).
“The architecture of Tsunami House evolved in response to the problem of how to build on this challenging site,” lead architect Dan Nelson told FH.
The house was built on the site of an old fishing house on Camano Island. It is built on a concrete slab floating on sandy soil. There are also nine-foot-tall concrete columns tied to the slab and reinforced with steel bars. They are the piers required by code to support the house.
At flood stage, the panel system resists wind but yields at high water levels so water can flow through the lower levels of the house. This part of the house is used as an “open air cabin”.
If an earthquake occurs, the house is designed to move “as a unit” to mitigate damage.
The area designated as a “flood room” features waterproof materials, concrete floors, “circulating radiant heat, ceramic tile walls and polished … polished steel stairs.”
Nelson used wood grain on the interior to prevent the building from feeling cold and sterile, he said. The box-shaped structure has many windows to enjoy the views.
“Increasingly, we are using low-maintenance materials that perform better in harsh conditions, and these materials naturally lend themselves to modern designs,” Nielsen told FH
As the Earth overheats and severe weather becomes more likely, home designers begin building sturdier structures. Technology inspired by Lego bricks is one of the innovations helping homes withstand strong winds, wildfires and other disasters. Meanwhile, a company in the UK has developed a jack system that can lift homes above flood levels.
Other unique concepts use passive building principles to better manage airflow, sunlight and other elements, resulting in more energy-efficient homes.
Nelson used some of these concepts in his architecture on the Puget Sound, where sunny decks and patios are balanced by cool cabins.
It’s part of the way we adapt to a changing planet and stay comfortable in the face of disaster.
“We try to take advantage of every opportunity,” Nelson said.
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