UK's first amphibious house rises with water to avoid flooding

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing

An “amphibious” house that rises along with the water to avoid flooding has been granted planning permission on the banks of the River Thames.

Once built, the three-bedroom family home will rest on the ground on fixed foundations but whenever a flood occurs, the entire building will rise up in its dock and float, buoyed by the flood water.

The modern, eco-friendly 225 square meters house – a first in the UK - will be set just ten meters away from the river in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

The upper part of the house is a lightweight timber construction that rests on a concrete hull, creating a free-floating pontoon. The whole house is set between four ‘dolphins’ - permanent vertical guideposts to keep it in place when it does rise.

When the river bursts its banks – expected to happen every 20 years or so – the water pressure will unlock the home from the dock and allow it to float up to water level.

The garden will also act as a natural flood warning, with four terraces set at different levels which will fill up with water, warning occupants well before the river threatens the area.

The lowest terrace will be planted with reeds, another with shrubs and plants, another will be lawn and the highest step will be a patio with access into the dining room.

These stepped levels will help to manage run-off from the house as the water begins to subside.

The house has been designed by London architects Baca and will cost an estimated £1.5 million – about 25% more than traditional builds.

The Local Authority supported the proposal as it is a replacement dwelling for a derelict bungalow - a new house would not have been allowed so close to the river.

The anonymous client told the Daily Mail: ‘I have always dreamed of living by the Thames. The beautiful setting convinced us that we could build our dream home.

‘We’re looking forward to sipping our first glass of wine on our terrace watching the rowers go past.’

Richard Coutts, director of Baca Architects, said: “The planning process obviously took a bit more time than some applications, involving our team in extensive consultations and cooperation with the local authority. 

“From the outset of the design process we sought expert advice from the Environment Agency to determine the most appropriate construction model to mitigate flood risk on the site; and provide a safe dwelling, sympathetic to its setting, and fit for the challenges of the 21st Century.”

It was announced last month that a deal between the UK Government and the Insurance industry that provides cover to households in flooding hotspots will come to an end in 2013.

The Association of British Insurers has warned that around 200,000 homes could be priced out of insurance when the Government guarantee runs out.

Images Copyright: Baca Architects.