The Living House
Failure simulations
Step through the physical route from trigger to symptom, then see what evidence would support or weaken the pathway.
▶trigger→pathway→symptom
▶Site Foundation
Foundation movement opens a diagonal crack
Differential support or movement redistributes stress around openings and finishes.
- Support conditions change.
- Loads redistribute through the structure.
- Openings concentrate stress.
▶Site Foundation
A blocked gutter wets the foundation
Overflow concentrates roof runoff beside the wall, increasing splash, soil moisture and below-grade water pressure.
- Debris restricts gutter flow.
- Water spills at the eave.
- Runoff saturates soil near the foundation.
▶Site Foundation
A short downspout extension recycles water at the foundation
Roof runoff exits too close to the wall and repeatedly loads the same soil and foundation area.
- Roof area concentrates a large water volume.
- The downspout releases beside the wall.
- Water follows backfill and service trenches.
▶Site Foundation
Slab edge creates a cold floor band
Heat flows through a concrete perimeter with limited insulation, creating a repeatable cold strip inside.
- Outdoor temperature falls.
- Concrete conducts heat toward the exterior.
- The floor edge cools faster than the room center.
