With much of their countryside sitting at or below sea level -- and the North Sea held back by an elaborate system of levees -- you can imagine that the Dutch are pretty sensitive to this whole global warming thing. With most scientists expecting at least a moderate rise in sea level over the course of this century, some Dutch architects are already building for the inevitably wet future.Some housing developments in the Netherlands are being designed to float should the rivers suddenly rise. Water pipes, electrical and sewage lines are all designed to float and flex in a flood situation. Since some rise in sea level is expected by almost all accounts -- despite any efforts to curb greenhouse gases. That's why firms like Dura Vermeer say that the time is right for floating houses.
As more people become aware of the frightening reality of climate change, the more it seems like a floating house is not a bad idea. In fact, the demand for this type of precaution is so high that designers are even working on ways to float entire city blocks.
Floating homes are not necessarily a new idea for people who live in a floodplain, but the new mentality is not one of if my home will need to float, but of when will my home need to float. Most of these home are anchored to a steel beams that could allow them to rise 16ft, no problem. Adaptation is crucial in a period of drastic change, explains Dura Vermeer's Dick Van Gooswilligen:
"Housing of this type is the future for the delta regions of the world, the ones which face the greatest danger."[via CleanTechnica]
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