“Location, location, location!” We have all heard this word strung together to emphasize its importance in terms of housing. For those of us who are more particular we may believe that location has to do with aesthetics or “brand” neighborhoods. In reality, location is more about the safety and security the surrounding area will or will not provide. We look at the weather, local schools, job opportunities, crime rates, and many other things. If we are really in love with the location and are facing a problem in just one of these areas, we may seek alternative options. Here is a great alternative option for housing in locations that deal with extreme weather problems.
These days, the news has provided footage of natural disasters unfolding on innocent towns or cities. It is a tragic case of bad weather that results in the loss of homes, businesses, and lives. There are some countries that are prone to these natural disasters, and the Philippines is one of them. The Philippines is a beautiful place that millions of people call home. Solidcon is a Filipino company that has patented an industrial building system called the WaffleBox. The WaffleBox is a modular system made from concrete that when met with a typhoon, flood, or earthquake, will resist the impact and keep its inhabitants safe. This is an amazing claim so lets look at the structure that makes it possible.
The WaffleBox gets its name from its simple box structure and interior waffle pattern. The small box structure allows you to add as many boxes together as you would like in whatever form you choose. This means that these homes can manifest very differently, creating a unique residence for the owner. The waffle pattern on the interior walls is the reason the building is resistant to force caused by typhoons and earthquakes. The pattern allows for there to be several beams/frames in the structure. Each box has four frames. Each frame works to resist force. So the forces placed on these homes are shared among many beams. This means your Wafflebox home which can be as small as one modular (3 boxes) will have a minimum of twelve beams to resist force. Simply put, each beam takes only one twelfth of the force making it much easier to withstand. A house of the same size built in a typical hollow wall pattern will have only three beams to resist the same force. In these homes, each beam would receive one third of the force. A much larger amount than one twelfth, and could easily result in damages to the structure.
Now you know how it works, lets look at how you can manipulate it to be your perfect home! The Wafflebox is very versatile and there are many ways to adjust your Wafflebox build. First, the Wafflebox can be lifted so that it can better suite an area threatened by floods. Next, you can always expand or relocate your home. This is a good fit for a growing family or indecisive owner. If you live in a cold climate, the waffle pattern on the interior walls is great for facilitating insulation. Also, this build provides a flat roof. This means is you are interested in a roof deck or balcony, you can achieve this very easily on any upper level. Finally, if you choose to build a Wafflebox home, the company finishes construction in half the time of traditional builds. All you have to do is let the company know how you plan to design your home, and Solidcon will make sure that the home is built in a way that ensures that loads put on the home will always be carried by the foundation.
This structure could meet an array of needs and be the perfect home for any individual or family. With the ability to relocate, this home makes for a great idea as well as a great investment!
By Alison LaPaglia
For more information on the WaffleBox by Solidcon, find them in our house designers and builders directory.
