Coastal residents all over the world should be listening closely to scientific researchers who predict the level of water all along the coast to rise between 2.5 and 6.5 feet by the year 2100. This rise in sea levels is enough to flood a number of cities, including many located along the U.S. East Coast. Depending on the course this takes, it could be devastating to multiple Florida residences, including Coral Gables luxury homes.
Sea Level Rises in Florida
According to a March 2016 report published in Nature Climate Change finds the estimated rise in sea-level will inevitably affect millions. Nearly half of the total population that is considered at risk in the U.S. resides in Florida. When it comes to Florida, this articles projects more than 100,000 residents in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Pinellas Counties to potentially be impacted.
From Coral Gables luxury homes to Boca Raton luxury homes and Delray Beach real estate, properties along the seaboard will be challenged in not only maintaining their foundational structures but infrastructure as well.
Housing Made for the Water
Out of the climate change warnings we’ve all been hearing about for years, the Dutch construction firm Dura Vermeer decided to take this challenge head on. Its team has developed a method of home building that adapts to the ebbs and flows of water.
Dura Vermeer has created two distinct residential homes designed to combat rising sea levels.
Floating Homes
The floating home is one that can withstand a sudden rise in water. In the event of a storm surge or flood that brings quickly rising water levels, the floating home will simply be raised along with the level of water that surrounds it.
Homes like this are built on a foam foundation that is covered in concrete. The combination of these materials allows the base of the home to be light enough to float along with enough stability to keep it secure. Floating homes are attached to a suspension mechanism that helps prevent the structure from moving horizontally while allowing for a vertical rise inevitable with fluctuations in water levels.
Amphibious Homes
Similar to floating homes, amphibious homes offer a concrete covered foam foundation that is secured with a bit more sophistication. The amphibious home model is fastened to vertical guidance posts made from thick steel that are able to telescope up to compensate for a rise in water. The guidance posts take the home up about 18 feet so that it floats on top of the rising water.
Amphibious homes built by Dura Vermeer rest on land. If water floods the property, the home will rise. As the waters recede, the home will settle back down to its original location and rest on a concrete foundation. The steel posts ensure these homes will not sway side to side; however, these properties can experience and up and down motion due to waves in the water.
Future of Coral Gables Luxury Homes
Coral Gables luxury homes and others along the Florida coast will be facing adjustments in the years to come. Floating homes and amphibious homes may not be able to completely answer all the questions that Florida cities will need to address, such as infrastructure systems, but they are interesting concepts to consider.
In the meantime, the Coral Gable luxury homes market still has room for you! Take a look at the latest Coral Gables real estate listings on the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty website and give us call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and take you on a tour of homes.
