After Harry Coumnas lost many of his loved ones in a fatal volcanic eruption, he became more determined to find a solution to the hazards that people residing near volcanoes often face. As a large number of houses were damaged during the volcanic eruption and people had no roof over their head; Harry decided that he will build houses for the local people using materials that could withstand the lava, ashes, and cinders of a volcano. He knew the task wouldn't be easy, but he was determined and wanted to ensure protection to the local residents from volcanic activities at any cost.
Harry Coumnas started with his research in 2011 by studying about various materials that can withstand high heat and pressure. In 2012, he collected fifty such materials that he felt would be right for making houses for the people of Hawaii Island. To ensure the success of his plans, he first decided to perform an experiment by building a small doll house for his daughter using these materials. After building the house, he kept it under extremely high pressure and heat. As he expected, the house remained undamaged. The first house he decided to build was for himself. It took him almost three years to complete the building.