Flood House by F9 Productions

Article source: F9 Productions

This project started as a response to the repeated flood challenges of where the two principles (Alex Gore and Lance Cayko) went to college.  The Fargo, North Dakota area floods almost every year and Alex has fought floods as a civilian and in the National Guard. During one of these outings Alex began to think about the ramifications of the dikes bursting and what would happen to all of the houses they were trying to save. These phenomena became increasingly threatening with the advent of hurricane Katrina, and the ongoing floods across the United States today.  As a result Alex and Lance dove into designing a house that could withstand these forces.

Image Courtesy © F9 Productions

• Architects: F9 Productions (Alex Gore)
• Project: Flood House
• PROJECT: F9 – Flood House
• DATE: 110602

Image Courtesy © F9 Productions

A raised home design elevates treasured items away from rising waters. The house is built upon elevated ground that is high enough to protect the main level from any flooding.

Protection is maintained by steel siding guarding the house from falling debris, and also acts as a shield against large floating objects. Harsh east and west light is filtered through operable steel curtain panels. Intense summer light is also dappled though the horizontal sun screens. Summer entertainment can take place on the outdoor Sun Deck which includes: a fire pit, a bar and grill, and a table for dining.

Image Courtesy © F9 Productions

Flood House Features:

Section Perspective: 1) Water is collected in case of infrastructure failure though a low sloped roof that drains towards a cistern located at the rear of the home. 2) Solar Panels line the roof, supply power at any time and they are ready in the midst of a regional power outage.3) Warmth is trapped in the home by insulating the roof and floor with R-50 spray foam insulation. Grey floor box indicates spray foam insulation areas. 4) Sand bagging efforts are reduced dramatically by the small footprint. 5) Safe boat access off of the sun deck allows for the delivery of fresh supplies an permits emergency rescue entrance.

Interior Image: 1) Privacy is provided by using translucent glass on the lower part of the windows. 2) Supplementary heat is supplied to the home thought the gas fireplace. 3) A storage wall provides a cozy resting place for extra blankets, pillows, china, glassware, and toys. 4) The skylight above the dining room filters daylight throughout the space.

Image Courtesy © F9 Productions

Entry Level:

1) Cars are sheltered under the main living level and are warmed up by automatic starters in order to fight winter cold. 2) A concrete path leads to the front door. 3) The washer/dryer is elevated off the ground along with all electrical outlets in order to protect from any minor flooding. 4) The entry serves as the main artery into the home. 5) Tools, toys, and law equipment are stored on the entry level. 6) Optional expansion space.

Main Level:

7) All bedrooms, including the master suite, are elevated off the ground level keeping precious items SAFE from flooding. 8) Two bathrooms service inhabitants and guests of the home. 9) A main storage wall located in the center of the home provides space for emergency goods, books, blankets, dishes and other items. 10) The fireplace provides a secondary heating source for the home. 11) A comfortable living/dining room arrangement provides space for entertaining. 12) The kitchen, which features a full height pantry, sits where it can observe action on the back sun deck and the living room. 13) The sun deck features a fire pit, comfortable chairs to sit in, a bar, and a dining table.

Image Courtesy © F9 Productions

Category: House

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