Six Flood-Proof Buildings That Can Survive Rising Tides

When it rains, it pours. With increasingly unpredictable environmental conditions and the prevalence of catastrophic storms, building safe and secure flood-proof structures is becoming even more vital. Not only do we have to worry about natural disasters like hurricanes and floods, but we will have to battle with <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/02/moma-exhibit-offers-real-solutions-to-nyc-rising-tides/">rising sea levels</a>, so designs for aqueous living should definitely be on the minds of architects worldwide. Read on for six innovative flood-proof designs that are able to weather the worst of the rising tides.

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/08/18/noah-mammoth-pyramidal-arcology-designed-for-new-orleans/" target="_blank">NOAH: New Orleans Arcology Habitat</a></h3> </br> Designed for New Orleans, NOAH is a pyramid-shaped mixed-use complex for 40,000 people that is meant to survive all sorts of severe weather, including a flood. Designed to float in the event of rising water levels, NOAH, also includes a host of other sustainable features, including renewable energy, organic gardens, transportation and waste and water recycling. <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/18/noah-mammoth-pyramidal-arcology-designed-for-new-orleans/" target="_blank">+ NOAH</a>

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/06/brad-pitt-unveils-floating-house-for-make-it-right-foundation/">Make It Right Foundation Floating Houses</a></h3> </br> Celebrity super-star Brad Pitt and his Make It Right Foundation are doing good work to rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane -- their floating home in Lower Ninth Ward is ready just in case the city floods again. Designed by <a href="http://www.morphosis.com/#/home/">Morphosis Architects</a>, the Float House has the ability to rise up on posts, disconnect itself from utilities and be self-sufficient for three days until the water recedes. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/06/brad-pitt-unveils-floating-house-for-make-it-right-foundation/">+ Make it Right Floating House</a>

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/07/energy-harvesting-turbines-for-nyc-get-a-style-update/" target="_blank">Flood Harvesting for New York City</a></h3> </br> Using the surging forces of the world's oceans and rivers to our advantage may be one way to beat back rising water levels. <a href="http://groarc.com/">GRO Architects</a> has envisioned a series of energy-generating floating houses that link together in modular docking stations. The aquatic houses would soak up the energy of tides and currents around New York City to generate power. Since the homes are placed directly on the water, they are automatically prepared for rising water levels and take advantage of the free renewable energy they supply. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/07/energy-harvesting-turbines-for-nyc-get-a-style-update/" target="_blank">+ Flood Harvesting for NYC</a>

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2007/08/29/amphibian-houses-rising-water/">Dutch Floating Houses by DuraVermeer and WaterStudio</a></h3> </br> In places like the Netherlands, where rising and falling sea levels are the norm, designers have been working on floating homes for a long time. DuraVermeer and WaterStudio are perfecting the art of homes that float on water, and some of their latest designs are for homes built on dry land that can float when the levels rise. While Brad Pitt's floating house only floats in case of emergency, these Dutch houses are designed to rise and fall almost daily. <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/04/02/dutch-floating-homes-by-duravermeer/" target="blank">+ DuraVermeer Floating Dutch Homes</a> <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/10/04/amphibious-houses/" target="blank">+ Amphibious Floating Architecture by WaterStudio</a>

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/05/maldives-to-fight-rising-sea-levels-with-floating-islands/">Floating Maldives by WaterStudio</a></h3> </br> When sea levels rise, whole countries will be in danger of going underwater forever. The Maldives is already working on plans to shore up their country -- or even relocate it all together. WaterStudio designed a floating star-shaped island for the country to hold a conference center and golf resort. It may seem a bit luxurious, but it's at least a start to what they country will need to survive the rising seas. <a href="http://www.waterstudio.nl/" target="blank">+ Waterstudio.NL</a>

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/05/maldives-to-fight-rising-sea-levels-with-floating-islands/">The Last Resort by RAFAA</a></h3> </br> Forget designing for land -- let's just build some great homes that can float on the water. In case of a Waterworld eventuality, we'll relish in the ability to move our house wherever we want to go, and this sleek solar powered boat home by <a href="http://www.rafaa.ch/" target="blank">RAFAA</a> looks like a pretty sweet alternative. <h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/05/maldives-to-fight-rising-sea-levels-with-floating-islands/">+ The Last Resort</a></h3>