Seismic-resistant construction method SE method

basic information

In the seismic-resistant construction method SE, we realize plans that have been difficult to achieve in traditional wooden houses, such as: ◆ Large spaces ◆ Large openings ◆ Atriums ◆ Built-in garages ◆ Roof balconies ◆ Three-story buildings with guaranteed seismic performance for safe and secure housing. *For more details, please download the catalog or refer to the related links. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries.

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Applications/Examples of results

◆You can view the construction examples here. https://www.ncn-se.co.jp/se/gallery/ *For more details, please download the catalog or feel free to contact us.

Detailed information

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  【Large Space】 The SE construction method is characterized by its ability to create highly earthquake-resistant spaces with fewer structural columns and walls. It is also capable of spanning up to 9 meters. As a result, it is possible to achieve "open large spaces" such as "LDK exceeding 30 tatami mats" or "a one-room space without partitions on the entire floor." Furthermore, not only can the horizontal expansion be maximized, but spaces can also be designed safely with high ceilings to create a sense of vertical expansion. This feature is effective not only for residential use but also for cases such as mixed-use stores or offices. Additionally, if the basic design is made with minimal structural walls, it eliminates the need to separate rooms with "structurally immovable walls." It becomes possible to partition spaces with fixtures or furniture. Even if walls are maintained on the surface, they are not structurally necessary, making future renovations easier. This concept is part of the design method known as "skeleton & infill," which is very important when considering long-term home building. The SE construction method allows for the coexistence of "open space design" and "reliable earthquake-resistant design."

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  【Large Openings】 I believe many people want to have large windows when designing their homes. Having large windows allows for various benefits, such as bringing in natural light, enjoying the outside scenery, enhancing the connection between the living room and the garden or wooden deck, and facilitating smooth airflow from nature. However, installing "large windows" means "reducing the walls" accordingly. In other words, it leads to a design that becomes structurally weaker in terms of earthquake resistance, especially in conventional wooden construction. Therefore, there are limits to earthquake resistance. This is where the strengths of the "SE construction method" and its frame structure are greatly demonstrated. By installing full-wall windows on the south side, high windows that reach the ceiling, or windows in the corners of the building... Warm sunlight pours in, pleasant breezes flow through, and by creating visually expansive windows, a comfortable living environment can be achieved.

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  A "loft" is one of the attractive design proposals when planning a house. It creates a unified space throughout the home, allowing for a sense of expansiveness beyond the floor area and a feeling of family presence, making it a popular area. However, from a structural perspective, a "loft" can also be a source of concern. It is not widely known, but in wooden houses, the floors of the second and third stories hold significant structural importance. Just like "closing the lid of a cardboard box makes it sturdier," properly attaching structural plywood to the second-floor joists greatly strengthens the structure. Based on this reasoning, a "loft" is essentially the act of creating a large hole in that sturdy floor, which can weaken the overall structure. In traditional wooden construction that does not involve structural calculations, there are no legal restrictions on how to address the weakened areas caused by a loft. The reality is that the size of the loft and the assurance of seismic resistance depend solely on the designer's "intuition and experience" and "conscience." Therefore, it is not advisable to design excessively large lofts in traditional wooden construction. In SE construction, large lofts can be safely incorporated through structural calculations, allowing for peace of mind when living in a lofted home.

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  【Built-in Garage】 In recent years, more people want to bring their cherished cars inside their homes. Additionally, in urban areas where parking fees are high, there is an increasing trend to utilize space effectively by converting the first floor into a garage and using the second and third floors as living spaces. In this context, buildings referred to as "built-in garages" or "inner garages" are gaining attention. To incorporate a garage into a home, space and an entrance are required. While this may be feasible for houses with a long frontage, it is often challenging for typical homes due to the necessary earthquake-resistant walls. Although there may be methods to design within legal limits for traditional wooden structures, they are not recommended from a seismic safety perspective. In this regard, the SE construction method demonstrates the advantages of a frame structure, allowing for a safe built-in garage. In some cases, there are many examples of built-in garages that can accommodate two cars side by side. Not only can you have an entrance, but it is also possible to eliminate columns and walls inside the garage, allowing you to enjoy maintenance and washing of your beloved car within the garage itself.

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  【Rooftop Roof Balcony】 An attractive item when there is not enough space on the property to have a garden is the "rooftop roof balcony." It is not only suitable for hanging laundry but also offers a delightful way to enjoy barbecues and sunbathing on sunny days, making it an appealing design proposal for living. However, it raises significant concerns about whether the structural safety has been thoroughly verified. In conventional wooden construction that does not perform structural calculations, it does not account for cases where the gravity exceeds that of the roofing materials. Since it is a rooftop roof balcony, it is natural that multiple people will be on it. The entire structural framework of the building should be designed with that gravity in mind, but there are serious doubts about this. In the case of SE construction methods, when creating a rooftop roof balcony, the increased gravity from people being on it is naturally taken into account in the structural design. Therefore, it is safe. I hope people can enjoy the "rooftop roof balcony" under a safe structural design.

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  Three-story buildings have the advantage of making effective use of land, and they are particularly popular in urban areas. However, when planning a three-story building, it is essential to thoroughly verify its seismic resistance. A three-story structure bears more weight on the building compared to a two-story one, which means that the structure must be even sturdier than that of a two-story building. In the case of conventional wooden three-story buildings, it becomes necessary to place more columns and walls, especially on the first floor. This results in significant limitations on design flexibility. However, with the SE construction method, which allows for a reduced amount of necessary structural columns and walls, it is possible to design a three-story building with a high degree of spatial freedom without any issues. Features such as built-in garages and spacious living areas can also be designed safely.

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  **Narrow Houses** In urban areas with good convenience, more people are building "narrow houses" on small plots of land. A major theme in this context seems to be creating a sense of "spaciousness" that does not feel cramped, as well as ensuring "natural light" enters the interior amidst densely packed homes. Particularly in cases where the plot is narrow in width and long in depth, often referred to as "eel bed" shaped plots, traditional wooden structures tend to require more lateral walls for seismic safety, making it difficult to achieve an open and airy space. Additionally, when neighboring properties are close, the sightlines can be poor, complicating window placement and making effective natural lighting harder to achieve. Therefore, by skillfully utilizing the strengths of the SE construction method, it is possible to design spacious and open living areas with fewer walls and columns, as well as to create effective natural lighting that does not obstruct views from atriums or high windows. The "SE construction method" is also greatly beneficial for maximizing the use of the plot.

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  "Skip Floor" The "skip floor," which adds variation in a planar manner, is a very interesting idea depending on the shape of the site and the way of living. The way the sight lines connect and the smoothness of the connections between rooms make the entire house feel like a single space, which is also appealing. Additionally, it is a very effective design element when there are height differences in the site itself or when incorporating built-in garages or semi-basement living spaces. On the other hand, this skip floor is also a structurally challenging design method. This is because the different floor heights complicate how forces are transmitted during an earthquake. Furthermore, the lack of clear regulations regarding this in conventional wooden construction is a significant reason for its difficulty. Therefore, when designing a skip floor in conventional wooden construction, a major challenge is whether "the structural safety has been properly verified." The structural calculations performed by the "SE construction method" thoroughly verify the complex transmission of seismic forces through simulations, and based on that, the materials and hardware are determined. Thus, it is possible to create a safe home even with a skip floor.