Here’s What an Earthquake-Resistant House Looks Like, According to MUJI

In places like Japan, where earthquakes are far too common, it’s important to build a house that’s not only beautiful but also structurally sound. MUJI is showing people how to do both.

The Japanese company recently opened a single-story wooden house in the prefecture of Yamaguchi. The sleek wooden house is designed to withstand an earthquake (while looking very Instagrammable). The so-called “plain house” features an open layout connecting the bedroom, dining area and kitchen, and the living room, as well as a wooden terrace and a garden.

The home, which has a total floor area of 101.85 square meters (or 1,096 square feet), does not have rigid separations or divisions. This not only allows for flexibility and multi-functionality but also limits walls—and prevents the stuff you hang and lean on those walls (light fixtures, shelves, paintings, etc.) from falling on you.

The decor, consistent with MUJI’s beloved aesthetic, is minimal, marrying modernity with practicality.

The roof is made of Galvalume (zinc coated steel) sheets, a material that is light yet sturdy. In terms of safety, it’s a better choice compared to traditional Japanese roof tiles, which have been criticized in the past for injuring people during earthquakes.

MUJI’s “plain house” is priced at 19 million yen (about $182,000). If you’re in Japan, you can learn more and make a reservation here to go see it.