Kumamoto Prefecture’s Civil Engineering Department has chosen two house designs among several proposed as affordable housing to replace that lost during the quakes, particularly in Mashiki, as reference for those considering reconstruction. Models of the two types will be built in the Techno Evacuation Area (near the airport) with the first scheduled to be completed at the end of November.
Attractions of the designs are their wooden construction, said to be earthquake-resistant and low-cost.
The first building is a collaboration of 82 Kumamoto-based companies. It is a single story, 2LDK of rather traditional Japanese countryside style with a total floor area of about 64 square meters and a price of 9.6 million yen (excluding tax and land).
The second building is a collaboration of 23 Kumamoto-based companies. It is a two-story, 3DK of about 66 square meters priced at 10 million yen and will be primarily constructed of high-quality wood sourced from Itsuki village. It is expected to be completed by early February. - William