Cyprus has a history of earthquake and earhquake tremors.  The pictures illustrate the building of concrete foundation that 'sits' on top of the ground.  A raft is constructed approximately 400 mm thick of concrete interlaced with iron rods, not unlike looking at the bedsprings in a mattress.  The principle of this construction is that if the ground tremors, the house 'rides' on the top.  With our timber frame house, this, plus the flexible property of wood enhances its safety.

 

So that's what you're looking at.  The building team that constructed it included some Cypriot workers.  Pictures 6 and 7 illustrate the iron rod construction. A very clever piece of work!