# Earthquake-Resistant Timber Walls Kozo Keikaku Kunkyusho's Seismic Wall Uses a Checkered Pattern By Francesca Mercurio | Published 2021-09-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kozo-keikaku-kunkyusho References: [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/wooden-panel-earthquake-resistant-wall-clt-checkered-block-wall-kozo-keikaku-kunkyusho-kengo-kuma-09-20-2021/) A Japan-based engineering firm, Kozo Keikaku Kunkyusho, has developed an innovative earthquake-resistant wall. The structure is made using a checkered block pattern constructed with '[CLT wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clt-house). Each timber panel is cross-laminated, organized in a checkered pattern, and then secured using steel plates and drift pins. The result is a ventilated, protective, and aesthetically appealing design that can endure the disruption from an earthquake. Kozo Keikaku Kunkyusho architects have partnered with design firm [Kengo Kuma & Associates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani) to create a [children's kindergarten](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-dales-public-school) using this earthquake-resistant wall. The future Heisei Gakuen Himawai Kindergarten will feature a two-storied structure whose facade is made of an earthquake-resistant 'CLT wall and surrounded by a garden. The engineering firm plans to continue developing its seismic wall designs by incorporating elements of steel and reinforced concrete. Image Credit: [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/wooden-panel-earthquake-resistant-wall-clt-checkered-block-wall-kozo-keikaku-kunkyusho-kengo-kuma-09-20-2021/), [designboom](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/wooden-panel-earthquake-resistant-wall-clt-checkered-block-wall-kozo-keikaku-kunkyusho-kengo-kuma-09-20-2021/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Earthquake-resistant Wood Structures:** Innovative wood structures can be engineered to resist earthquakes, paving way for safe, sustainable buildings with lower construction costs. - **Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) Reinforcement:** Cross-laminated timber (CLT) can be reinforced with steel and concrete to create durable, disaster-resistant structures that also offer improved aesthetics and indoor air quality. - **Collaborations for Sustainable Design:** Partnerships between engineering and design firms can lead to innovations, such as earthquake-resistant timber walls, that promote sustainability, safety, and creativity in building design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction:** The construction industry can incorporate earthquake-resistant wood structures using cross-laminated timber (CLT) to provide safer and cost-effective building solutions to customers. - **Architecture:** Architects can work with engineering firms to create innovative designs using earthquake-resistant materials like cross-laminated timber (CLT), steel, and concrete, for sustainable and safe building projects. - **Wood Products:** Manufacturers of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other wood products can leverage its benefits, such as improved indoor air quality and sustainability, to develop new markets and applications for wood products in construction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Clear Glazing Compact Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-patterned-house.md) - [Wooden Resilience Stadiums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukushima-united.md) - [Wood-Framed Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/common-woods.md) - [Reimagined Structural Timber](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superwood.md) - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md) - [Timber Tradition Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukasawa-residence.md) - [Angled Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-wall-house.md) - [Wooden Residential Parisian Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani.md) - [Resilient Concrete Sea Walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breathing-sea-wall.md)