This month, while we’re on the subject of natural disasters and the various ways modular construction stands up to natural forces better than stick-built homes, we thought we’d take a look at some past attempts to create stronger, storm-resistant homes.

The unusual design below was proposed in a 1939 issue of Popular Science magazine. The home, which rotates on a track, “turns itself to point its rounded end into the wind, defying even gales of hurricane force.” When not spinning like a top in a tropical storm, the dial-like home can be turned to “face in the best direction with reference to sun and breeze.”

According to the article, “electricity enters the building through the inner track, while the water-supply and sewage pipes come in underground at the axis on which the house turns, swivel joints being provided to connect the stationary exterior pipes with those which are attached to the dwelling.”

This design might be unusual, but it’s certainly not practical. We’re also not sure we’d want to live there without a steady stockpile of motion-sickness medication. Of course, the benefits of modular construction and it’s durability in a hurricane is well known and something we’ve discussed here on Modular Musings before. (link “we’ve discussed” to previous entry on the topic) Modular construction is also a much more practical option for those looking for a little extra stability in a hurricane.