Homes that float: the Dutch prepare for global warming
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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-14-2008 @ 12:54PM
des said...
Hi Josh,
I notice from your blog that you wite a lot about environmental themes.
I am working on a childerns book about characters that are environmentlally concious. They live in a magical world and each character looks after an element. Would you be interested in reviewing the website and maybe writing a review on your blog?
www.bumblejums.com
your feedback and review is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Des Shanahan
Creator of the Bumblejums
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4-15-2008 @ 1:53AM
Kiran said...
According to a research the poorest people in the world’s poorest countries will suffer the earliest and the most from climate change, according to this year’s edition of the Environmental Review. The report says that, due to their geographical location, low incomes, and low institutional capacity, as well as their greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, the poorest countries and people are suffering earliest and are poised to suffer most.
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