Strength
EdenSAFE looked at many building techniques, in America and Europe, before selecting one for “The best house in the world”
The stick-frame house, the predominate technique in America, was clearly the worst. An assembly of small weak pieces, fastened by small gage fasteners prone to corrosion, stick framing only gives the illusion of strength because it is hidden behind stucco or brick or stone veneer. A stack of sticks, with lot of air spaces, is the Cub Scout technique for starting fires. Only a thin layer of House-Wrap, and pink fluff in the walls, makes it temporarily act energy-efficient.
EdenSAFE walls are solid six inch thick Gluelams. Have you ever visited a designated public storm shelter? These are usually school gymnasiums, sports arena, or churches. At least half the time when you look up you will see Gluelams, Gluelam arches, or Gluelam beams, which are used for their strength and Resilience.
Resilience is as important as Strength
“Resilience is the ability to recover after a disturbance"
A concrete building may protect you and stand after a disaster, but concrete is brittle and may crack and actually be a danger in the next disaster. Steel may survive too - but it may deform or crimp, weakening it for the next event. Those buildings may save you - but they may have to be demolished and then rebuilt. But Gluelams are Resilient, they spring back. This is why competitive diving boards are made of Gluelams - specifically for their spring.
Every workplace in America has this sign- shouldn’t this be the first rule for your new home............
No, we are not talking about handrails and outlet covers, but the basic strength of the structure of the house- Its ability to protect you and your family, and your possessions, in a hurricane, tornado, or ice storm. Or earthquake, in some areas.
NE Blizzard of February 2013
NE Blizzard of October 2012
Hurricane Sandy
Tornado hits same area twice in Alabama
Hurricane Hugo reaches to Charlotte NC
Rare New England Tornado
Fifty Percent of Americans live on Coasts
NE Blizzard of October 2012
Hurricane Sandy
Tornado hits same area twice in Alabama
Hurricane Hugo reaches to Charlotte NC
Rare New England Tornado
Fifty Percent of Americans live on Coasts
The ultimate EdenSAFE Home, the double-shell Gluelam structure, can be designed to survive an EF5 Tornado, resisting impact, uplift, over-turning, and pressure-changes.
