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Foundation 24 inches deep consisting of three layers of criss-crossed pressure treated 8 x 8's. Alternative: 12 to 18 inches of very heavily reinforced concrete. The re-enforcement would need an internal fully pre constructed triangular steel structure, which has concrete poured around it.
Ballast Since the foundation is fairly light(if the wood foundation is used), it will be necessary to have ballast to prevent blow over in wind and to limit the bounce that could be caused by a 9 Richter scale quake. A reinforced 4 inch slab in the interior of the house would work and would also hold in heat.
Interior Walls
and Fooring
A conventional stick house would be used using 2 x 6's instead of 2 x 4's. Plywood of 5/8 to 3/4 would be glued and screwed interior and exterior. Wiring for 12 volt DC would be used, as this will be the easiest to provide in the after conditions. A design concern will be to work at a way to have the superstructure be able to slide slightly on the houseboat platform to provide structural flexibility in an earthquake.
Exterior Walls Exterior Walls would be finished with 28 gauge Corrugated Steel.
Roofing The structure would be the same as the walls and flooring, with screwed and glued plywood inside and out. A shed roof with a 4 ft slope would be used. The steel would go over steel piping which would provide an air space for possible red hot gravel lying on the roof structure. This area need additional design considerations. This structure would allow one floor, but with space above the floor for bunk beds and possible storage.
Overhangs Overhangs are necessary for good looks and for rain protection. These would be provided, but as a knock off, or for easy removal at the time of the events. Overhangs that cannot be taken off would be ripped off by winds, which could also rip the roof off.
Out Building Storage of equipment on site before hand, and during the cataclysm securely is necessary. Corrugated steel pipe used for road construction would be put into the ground, with sealed ends these pipes could safely sore equipment building supplies for the after time.
SanitationA composting Toilet would be used. However material would be provided for building a privy.
Water An internal manual pump would be part of the house connected to flexible tubing to go into the ground. Purification would be part of a different information set.
Energy Heat A steel coal/wood stove would be part of the design with pipe to be put up later. Electricity: Steam engine, bike engine, windmill.

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