Building method: Earthships
06/10/2023
Earthships and Water – a case study
19/10/2023
Vietnam’s flood-proof bamboo houses
What does it mean to build crisis or even more specifically, flood resilient buildings?
How can we better plan for future climate chaos and look to natural materials or even better design to help us? Is it even possible to be building in places known for flood and should we think differently about our homes ability to be resilient in the face of escalating climate chaos? What can natural building ideas and design bring to this conversation?
Across the country in the wake of the past few years’ climate chaos, some architects are starting to think differently about building back homes in certain areas, and how to build smarter communities and cities.
While architects are only typically involved with about 5% of house builds, the principles of flood-resilient design are accessible to all. The idea of raising a build, especially in the tropics or sub tropics should be considered as par for course in areas that have traditionally seen flooding or high levels of rain. Not only will it see homes be easier to insure, but resilient home designs also provide a way of protecting a home’s value in flood-prone areas.
In the wake of the 2021 flood disasters, the QLD and NSW Governments have tapped into the Resilient Homes Fund and the Brisbane City Flood Resilient Homes program which includes three critical services:
- Home Service – a free, in-home assessment of your property’s flood resilience
- Home Service Recommendations – possible suggestions of building or design works to increase the flood resilience of your property
- Incentive Scheme – if design or building recommendations are made, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Incentive Scheme
In natural homes, the issue of where the building is located is often a priority to ensure that the materials used will last the test of time, and that the building will not take on moisture as this will compromise the structure and integrity of the building, much like traditional builds. The issue of mold is particularly pertinent when thinking about high moisture areas as natural plasters and paints work better to draw out moisture and not let it rot.
Excessive exposure to mold-contaminated materials can cause adverse health effects, they can present especially hazardous health risks to humans, including allergic reactions or poisoning by mycotoxins, or causing fungal infection (mycosis).
Siting is going to be the primary consideration for any build that may be located in a flood-prone or even heavy rainfall or tropical weather area, but protecting the materials is a close second.
A living roof, also called a green roof, is a roof that doubles as a garden and can help absorb and move water from the roof to where you want it to go. They also help capture CO2, keeping the building insulated and reducing rainwater runoff.
Building in resilience through considering siting, eaves and mould resistant materials are just a few ways that we can start to plan and build better housing for a changing climate.
Here’s some simple rules for building in some flood resilience to any new build or retrofit.
Use water-resistant or water-proof materials. Hardwood timbers work better than softwood.
Consider a floor plan that allows water to easily flow out without becoming trapped.
Build walls that don’t have cavities inside, where water can be trapped and turn to mould.
Use polished concrete floors that won’t be ruined by flood water.
Use door sills that sit flush with the floor, rather than raised.
Use louvers that come down to the ground, so water can wash out easily.
Use a separate electric circuit upstairs, so if downstairs gets wet and switches off, you still have power upstairs.
Check out this video on floods and natural materials from our friends at Thannal in India.
