Earthquake resistant architecture, Kake-zukuri at Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

The most spectacular style of traditional architecture in Japan is certainly the overhang style, kake-zukuri. Being a very old style, not many kake-zukuri buildings survived until today, and amongst them the most famous is the main hall of the Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto.

Built on the edge of a steep 13-meters deep slope, the stage from Kiyomizu-dera is supported by huge pillars tied horizontally and, amazingly, not a single metallic nail was used: the wooden pillars are perfectly assembled, so there were no gaps created by the metallic dilatation or contraction. The structure is also very flexible, able to move in any direction, thus being earthquake resistant but easily able to support the large weight of the floor.