In the wake of Hurricane Michael's devastating impact on the Florida Panhandle five years ago, some developers are taking proactive steps to build homes that are more resilient to extreme weather and environmentally friendly. Bonny Paulson, a resident of the coastal community of Mexico Beach, had her home withstand the Category 5 winds that destroyed many surrounding homes. Her unique rounded house, built by Deltec, remained intact with only minor damage. Deltec, a company that prioritizes both resilience and sustainability, has built nearly 1,400 homes over the last three decades, with only one experiencing structural damage from hurricane-force winds.
Deltec's homes incorporate several green features, including solar panels installed tightly enough to withstand high winds, preserved wetlands and native vegetation that reduce flooding vulnerability and trap carbon in the ground, and recycled or advanced construction materials that reduce energy use and the need for new materials. The company's chief executive, Steve Linton, emphasizes that resilience should be an integral part of sustainable construction.
Other companies are also joining the movement to build hurricane-resistant and climate-friendly homes. Pearl Homes has developed the Hunters Point community in Cortez, Florida, with 160 LEED-certified platinum houses. These homes are elevated 16 feet above code to prevent flooding, and the roads are designed to direct rainfall away from the homes. The steel roofs allow for the secure attachment of solar panels, and the houses are equipped with batteries for uninterrupted power supply during outages.
Babcock Ranch, located in South Florida, is another sustainable and hurricane-resilient community. It boasts being the first solar-powered town in the US, generating 150 megawatts of electricity with over 680,000 solar panels. The roofs in Babcock Ranch are securely strapped to a system connected to the foundation, making them better able to withstand hurricane winds. Power lines are buried underground, and the doors are designed to swing outward to prevent them from blasting open under pressure. The town's water management system takes into account the natural flow of water and incorporates wetlands, retention ponds, and native vegetation to effectively manage water during extreme rainfall.
These resilient and environmentally friendly homes not only offer peace of mind to residents but also contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Buildings are responsible for about 38% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions each year, with the construction materials and power consumption being major contributors.
Marshall Gobuty, CEO of Pearl Homes, emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change and creating homes that do not contribute to it. He believes that the population needs to adjust to environmental catastrophes and build homes that are better equipped to withstand them.
Residents like Bonny Paulson and Natalia Padalino in the Florida Keys have embraced these sustainable and resilient homes. They recognize the need to reduce their risk of catastrophic situations caused by global warming and hurricanes. The adoption of these homes not only provides security but also brings about economic benefits, with Paulson experiencing significantly reduced energy costs compared to her previous home.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of billion-dollar disasters, such as hurricanes, the construction industry's adoption of resilient and sustainable practices is crucial. These innovative homes offer a glimpse into a future where individuals can reduce their carbon footprint while safeguarding their lives and properties from the impacts of climate change.
themes: Florida Mexico
