• proudblond@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    31
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    2 years ago

    In California we use wood because it flexes during earthquakes. There may be damage during a big one but at least the house is less likely to collapse on you.

    • MrsDoyle@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      18
      ·
      2 years ago

      In earthquakes in NZ the wooden houses flex for sure. What kills you is the brick chimney falling through the roof.

          • the_third@feddit.de
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            14
            arrow-down
            1
            ·
            edit-2
            2 years ago

            That’s why you use insulating bricks like these:

            See how there are as few direct connections between inside and outside as possible. The whole thing is very light too, so it has very little thermal mass. This is combined with a white surface outside and that transfers very little heat. My 200m² house requires maybe 1.5kW of heating at -10°C outside in the winter. I have no AC, in summer we just leave the windows open until 6am and then shut the blinds automatically when the air heats up.

            • RubberElectrons@lemmy.world
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              3
              ·
              2 years ago

              Pretty neat, I’ve never seen masonry like this before.

              I’ll point out that the webbing is likely strong, but considering the lack of ductility, this seems likely to fail during an earthquake. What’re these called, I’d like to look into them more.

          • jcit878@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            2
            ·
            2 years ago

            i was so sure it was, i looked it up after seeing your comment and… you are right. even double brick which ive always been told was great, apparently isnt all that good. TIL

    • HenriVolney@sh.itjust.works
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      3
      ·
      2 years ago

      In Europe we use reinforced concrete for the same purpose. Don’t know if it works but it’s the way it’s done.