Abstract: This invention relates to a support for a building or structure. The support consists of an outer container, typically of square or circular cross section. A movable assembly having a variable length is disposed within the container. The assembly has a plurality of vertical jointed legs mounted radially about a longitudinal center axis. The legs are mounted on a spring within the container at their lower ends and are rigidly fastened to the bottom floor of the building at their upper end. The legs contact the container wall at the legs' central portions. Movement of the top portion of the legs away from the assembly axis causes one or more of the legs to move away from the container wall while pushing the remaining leg or legs into the container wall. This movement causes the jointed legs to extend against the action of the spring thereby translating lateral movement of the container wall into vertical movement of the assembly.