The Need For Resilient Homes
Coastal areas tend to have higher population density and are at a greater risk due to the ongoing impact of climate change. It is crucial to prepare for potential risks and take necessary actions to mitigate their impact.
The project site location was Miami-Dade County due to its high risk of all natural disasters. Southern Florida has a relatively high to very high risk of hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires. With climate change on the rise and sea level temperatures getting warmer, hurricanes will continue to grow in severity.
Compass Concept
The compass represents key elements of the location, problem, and design features. Its shape inspired both the textile patterns and the layout of the house, with the safe room positioned at the center and all other spaces radiating outward from it.
This 2.5-acre lot is located in a rapidly growing area with numerous new housing developments underway.
Program & Considerations
When creating new homes in an area parallel to the everglades, it's important to consider not only the home itself, but also the natural environment. To protect against the elements, the site will be cleared following fire prone area guidelines and the main floor of the home will be elevated and shaped as a hexagon. This ensures that the home is safe from wind, water, and fire.
Block Diagram
Floor Plan
Exterior View
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The entry mudroom includes a built-in storage bench that's wheelchair accessible. Adjacent to the bench, the rubber flooring provides stability for wheelchairs and withstands moisture from wet items.
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The kitchen island and counters are fully wheelchair accessible and comply with ADA reach height standards. The corner cabinets behind the island provide extra storage while also softening the sharp corners of the home's hexagonal design.
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The saferoom, central to the home, is designed with ADA requirements in mind. Although only one bed is ADA accessible, the space integrates both standard saferoom features and ADA-compliant elements.
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These custom built-ins are designed to be wheelchair accessible while also serving as resilient interior features. By integrating built-in furniture, the design incorporates materials that are durable, flame-resistant, and moisture-resistant—considerations often overlooked by homeowners. Although not specifically focused on natural disasters, these built-ins are effective in withstanding seismic waves from earthquakes, ensuring safe passage and protection of belongings.
Both principles emphasize People, Place, and Profit. The design incorporates resilient materials like ferrock instead of concrete and uses recycled materials rather than newly manufactured ones, supporting both sustainability and durability. In areas prone to natural disasters, these features minimize damage and enhance the home’s resilience. By using efficient, ceiling-stored water and heating systems, the design reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. This sustainable approach not only helps protect the local environment but also strengthens the community by providing safe, secure homes that reduce displacement and ensure the protection of residents' belongings.
Special Thanks to my internal thesis advisor Rose Mary Botti-Salitsky and external thesis advisor Monica Johnson, for their support, expertise, and assistance throughout my project.