Services
Integrating service connections into a structure that moves with water levels presents a unique set of challenges. Traditional static and rigid connection points need to be reconsidered within the constraints of authority and regulatory requirements.Innovative design integrations are required to work around such complexities.
While the internal house services will follow a conventional setup, each main external connection will have its own distinct characteristics. These considerations ensure the Floating House’s functionality and resilience post-disaster, facilitating rapid recovery and reoccupation.
Flood Attack Level (FAL)
A recent report by the Climate Council found that 1 in 25 homes was at risk of becoming uninsurable by 2030.
As our design team worked on concepts, it became increasing apparent that a wider discussion regarding how we plan and design for future homes in areas subject to flood-risk will become necessary and essential.
The success of responding to bushfires using a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating system led our team to ponder if a similar system – a Flood Attack Level (FAL) – for dealing with potential threats of flooding to residential areas would be worthy of greater consideration.
A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a means of measuring the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact. It is then used as the basis for the requirements for construction to improve protection of building elements from bushfire attack.
Flood maps and building standards need to be updated concurrently in order to accurately risk assess an area. As with bushfires, it’s impossible to avoid building altogether in all floodplains or flood zones, therefore developing homes that can be built to adequately cope with the environmental conditions is a necessary response. A FAL system would provide the basis for designing homes that are protected in these events.
