Japanese home uses wooden material stronger than steel to combat natural disasters

Japan’s scenery is both mesmerizing and inviting, yet its landscape is also often threatened by natural disasters.

This leaves homeowners with the task of reinforcing their homes. One family in southwest Japan has opted to hire Architecture Studio Nolla to build a hybrid house of both traditional lumber and glued laminated timber (glulam, for short), which provides protection from Mother Nature, cost-effective climate control, and - most importantly - peace of mind.

Glulam is a versatile wooden beam consisting of multiple “wooden laminations” which are fused together with a strong, moisture-resistant adhesive. The product boasts to be, pound for pound, stronger than steel, and is revolutionary in both commercial and residential constructions. This means that the material can withstand normal weathering, as well as a more intense storm.

Cost is right alongside durability on the list of homeowners’ priorities, and luckily the Hybrid Wooden House costs about the same as a typical “post and beam” home in the area, likely due to not needing as much material as a building made of conventional timber.

Unique ventilation features allow the family to remain cool during the area’s hot and humid months, as well. There is a large open-air feature on one side of the home in the form of folding doors, which double as a storm shutter when closed and a sunshade at dusk. Wooden slats can be found on all sides of the home to allow for optimal air flow, as well. Lastly, the roof is fortified to reduce risk of overheating.