Kundig is one of many architects designing houses to withstand extreme weather events—as well as fires—which have become especially severe during this period of climate change. And he is one of many architects proving that resilient houses need not look like bunkers. Kundig, who cofounded Olson Kundig Architects in 1986, says, “People come to us for houses that require little maintenance, but that they hope will last for generations.” As it turns out, he adds, “The same houses tend to be resistant to the larger forces of nature.”
For that reason, Kundig says, “just about all” of his houses can be considered resilient. They occupy dramatic (and challenging) sites in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. He has not yet planted his flag on Antarctica. “Talk about resiliency,” he muses. “That would be a fascinating place to build.” And what about the moon or Mars? Those don’t grab him the same way: “I think we have enough challenges here on Earth,” says Kundig.
