The Japanese are distinguished by the ability to find unique solutions and create innovative technologies. One of the construction companies of the Land of the Rising Sun has proposed a fundamentally new concept for the construction of a one-story residential building.
What is a domed house?
The building has a domed shape. But the most unusual is the material from which the walls and other segments are made. This is polystyrene. Its use may seem like a revolutionary idea. Traditional building materials seem more reliable and familiar. But we are talking about polystyrene foam, which has undergone special processing and is very different in quality from the usual one. The Japanese call their invention housing of the 21st century.
Ancient traditions and modern technology
Geographically, Japan is located in a seismically dangerous zone. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of this country made the walls of residential buildings from paper. The reason for this was not a shortage of stone and wood, but the constant threat of earthquakes. Therefore, it is not unusual for the Japanese to use such lightweight materials in construction. The hemispherical shape is also not a novelty. The homes of the Eskimos and Chukchi are very similar to modern Japanese domed houses made of polystyrene. Today's technologies embody ideas from the distant past. The result looks like the real architecture of the future.
Design features
The basic concept contains many fundamentally new approaches. Polyfoam is subjected to special effects and becomes much stronger than the one that we used to see in everyday life. In addition, it is treated with a special composition to reduce flammability and fire hazard. The more exact name of this architectural creation is a house made of extruded polystyrene foam. Due to its light weight and dome shape, the building can be located even on difficult terrain and does not require a rigid foundation. To install it, it is enough to align the round platform and prepare a light platform from sip panels. Component sections are manufactured industrially. A Japanese house is not built from polystyrene foam, but assembled from standard modules, like a children's designer. Work on the construction of a building with a base diameter of 7-8 meters can be performed by several specialists within one day.
Cost-effectiveness
The authors of the idea emphasize the financial benefits of their project. Extruded polystyrene foam is one of the most cost-effective thermal insulation materials. Its effectiveness is impressive. According to the calculations of manufacturers, walls from 100 to 190 mm thick are able to successfully withstand any weather conditions. Japanese foam house technology is many times better at keeping warm than traditional silicate brick or concrete buildings. This allows you to save money not only on heating the premises in winter, but also on cooling it in the summer. In some cases, energy costs compared with buildings made from classic materials can be reduced by 90 percent. Thanks to the modular assembly and the use of relatively cheap polystyrene, the cost of building a one-story residential building can be surprisingly low. A budget of several thousand US dollars is enough.
Durability
The sun's rays have a devastating effect on domed houses. Projects and construction prices vary, but they always include special coating. It absorbs ultraviolet, does not allow the foam to crumble and prevents erosion. The external surface of the walls must be plastered and painted. This is done both for decorative purposes and for protection from the sun. Manufacturers recommend using a metallized coating based on aluminum. The use of polyurethane foam is also considered effective. Subject to all technological requirements, the service life of the building can be 60 years. It is worth noting that the low water absorption of the material protects the home from rain, snowfall and a humid climate. Insects do not harm polystyrene foam. Also, it is not susceptible to decay and corrosion.
disadvantages
Despite the fact that all component sections are treated with a refractory substance, there remains a serious risk of fire. When burning, the foam emits a large amount of toxic gases. Its strength is insufficient to prevent hacking and penetration of intruders. In addition, living in a building made entirely of synthetic material can adversely affect human health.
Execution options
The total area of a standard one-story building is 50-60 m 2 . Typical city apartments do not exceed domed houses in terms of comfort. Projects and prices are not limited to one basic option. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of interior design. At the request of customers, internal partitions and decorative walls are installed. A second floor can be built. If it is necessary to increase the area, construction companies erect and connect several buildings with passages. It is important to note that the basic cost usually includes component sections, delivery, assembly and interior decoration. The supply of electricity and other communications will require additional costs. A Japanese styrofoam house can serve not only as a living space, but also as a warehouse or office.
European version
The idea of a hemispherical building made of unconventional material attracted the attention of architects from Western countries. But European experts decided to use more durable polystyrene concrete. In terms of thermal insulation and resistance to decay, it is not inferior to polystyrene. The disadvantage is the weight of this building material. The European version of the domed building is much heavier, which significantly increases its cost. The use of polystyrene concrete makes the installation process more difficult. A Japanese foam house can be assembled by several people without the use of any equipment. In the western version, it is impossible to do without the help of a crane. In addition, the massive structure requires a more solid foundation.
Application
Quick assembly, the ability to install on a difficult terrain and resistance to any climatic conditions make the Japanese foam house an almost ideal option for temporary housing for any purpose. Moreover, the technology of domed buildings provides a high degree of thermal insulation and energy saving. With minimal financial costs for construction and operation, customers receive a level of comfort comparable to a city apartment.