○Residential Basic Materials [3]

     In regions with high rainfall and humidity, like Japan, preventing straw decay due to mold becomes necessary. Considerations include:

- Employing roofs that effectively manage rainwater and ensuring the overhangs and window sills are of adequate length to protect walls from rainwater.

- Elevating the house's foundation to shield walls from splashing rainwater.

- Preventing moisture from the ground from entering the walls.

- Implementing ventilated exterior walls to release and dry moisture between the exterior wall material and insulation, preventing condensation.

    Additionally, prioritizing stone-based construction directly on foundation stones (known as "ishibadate") over concrete foundations is preferred. This choice aims to reduce concrete usage and deflect seismic forces. With a concrete foundation, seismic tremors directly affect the residence. In contrast, in stone-based construction, columns rest on foundation stones, allowing them to slide on the stone's surface, reducing tremors. However, stone-based construction may not be universally applicable, so while it remains a primary choice, assessing concrete foundations or other methods on a case-by-case basis is crucial.

    Moreover, setting these foundations at a height that prevents rainwater from splashing onto the earth walls from the ground is essential.