Researching Resilience.
Supporting Change.
We research and test non-engineered, vernacular techniques to make them safer and earthquake-resilient
Supporting change.
We investigate how traditional building methods can be strengthened through science. Every project is a step toward safer, smarter, and more inclusive construction.
Supporting change.
We’re building a sustainable future through tradition, eco-friendly design, and the responsible use of natural resources.
Non-engineered
Non-engineered refers to buildings that are “spontaneously and informally constructed in the traditional manner, without any or little intervention by qualified architects and engineers” (A.S. Arya, 2000). This is also known as vernacular architecture. Imagine the global impact if we can prove that non-engineered building techniques can stand up to major earthquakes. If with simple interventions, we can make homes and schools stronger, faster to build, more affordable — and better for the planet.
Non-engineered
Non-engineered refers to buildings that are “spontaneously and informally constructed in the traditional manner, without any or little intervention by qualified architects and engineers” (A.S. Arya, 2000). This is also known as vernacular architecture. Imagine the global impact if we can prove that non-engineered building techniques can stand up to major earthquakes. If with simple interventions, we can make homes and schools stronger, faster to build, more affordable — and better for the planet.
Non-engineered
Non-engineered refers to buildings that are “spontaneously and informally constructed in the traditional manner, without any or little intervention by qualified architects and engineers” (A.S. Arya, 2000). This is also known as vernacular architecture. Imagine the global impact if we can prove that non-engineered building techniques can stand up to major earthquakes. If with simple interventions, we can make homes and schools stronger, faster to build, more affordable — and better for the planet.
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Earthquake safety in non-engineered construction is one of the most urgent but overlooked problems.
These are the gaps we are tackling:
We invite experts and learners to rethink low-tech seismic construction, through collaboration, insight, and shared solutions.
Neglected in research
[1]
Less than 1%
of global seismic research focuses on non-engineered construction in high-risk developing countries.
Neglected in research
[1]
Less than 1%
of global seismic research focuses on non-engineered construction in high-risk developing countries.
Neglected in research
[1]
Less than 1%
of global seismic research focuses on non-engineered construction in high-risk developing countries.
Outdated resources
[2]
Since the 1980s
most non-engineered seismic knowledge has not been updated, despite decades of devastating earthquakes.
Outdated resources
[2]
Since the 1980s
most non-engineered seismic knowledge has not been updated, despite decades of devastating earthquakes.
Outdated resources
[2]
Since the 1980s
most non-engineered seismic knowledge has not been updated, despite decades of devastating earthquakes.
Housing crisis
[3]
2.8 billion people
lack adequate housing — a third of humanity — of which 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements.
Housing crisis
[3]
2.8 billion people
lack adequate housing — a third of humanity — of which 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements.
Housing crisis
[3]
2.8 billion people
lack adequate housing — a third of humanity — of which 1.1 billion live in slums or informal settlements.
Real problems
Real problems
Real problems
How we make it work
We turn assumptions into proven solutions by investigating seismic safety questions that are left unanswered: How large can a stone house safely be? How many horizontal bands are needed? Do vertical steel bars really work? We validate these issues through fieldwork, advanced testing, and computer modeling.
Our unique method
We work with real-world local conditions like poor workmanship, weak mortars, and low-strength masonry. For which we develop test standards and validation methods that are currently non-existent. This bridges the gap between traditional building methods and modern practice.
Global approach
We translate our validated research into clear codes and practical guidelines. This empowers local masons, architects, and engineers to build safer and stronger homes and schools. Our work, reviewed by a team of global experts, is a blueprint for low-tech, high-impact construction.
Explore
Join us in testing vernacular techniques, strengthening buildings against earthquakes, analyzing costs, and evaluating sustainability — turning local practices into safer global solutions.
Explore
Join us in testing vernacular techniques, strengthening buildings against earthquakes, analyzing costs, and evaluating sustainability — turning local practices into safer global solutions.
Explore
Join us in testing vernacular techniques, strengthening buildings against earthquakes, analyzing costs, and evaluating sustainability — turning local practices into safer global solutions.
Join us
Join us
Join us
We welcome experts, professionals, and academics to advance non-engineered construction in seismic regions — through collaboration, exchange of knowledge, and shared solutions.
We invite experts and learners to rethink low-tech seismic construction, through collaboration, insight, and shared solutions.
Areas of collaboration
Low-tech earthquake engineering
Low-strength material testing
Seismic modeling of structures
Rubble stone masonry
Natural building materials
Non-engineered techniques
Reuse and recycling in construction
Partners making a difference with us.
Partners making a difference with us.
Partners making a difference with us.
© 2025 SSF
Made with love in Portugal by Significa 🧡
© 2025 SSF
Made with love in Portugal by Significa 🧡
© 2025 SSF
Made with love in Portugal by Significa 🧡