amphibous rising house floor plan 1/4” scale amphibious rising

RISING
House
Adapting to Change
This energy-efficient,
affordable, flood-resistant,
accessible home is designed
to provide safe and
comfortable living for an
elderly couple in New Orleans.
Two designs are proposed,
one raised to 7’ , and another
amphibious version that sits
at the required Base Flood
Elevation of 3’ above ground,
but can rise up to 25’ during a
flood. Although both designs
are viable options, the static
design removes the front
porch from its traditional
proximity to the street,
requires a 7’ staircase and 100’
of ramp for accessibility, and
increases the vulnerability
of the structure to wind
damage. The amphibious
option, however, maintains
neighbourhood character
and protects the house even
when it encounters a flood
exceeding 7’, which in New
Orleans is only a matter of
time. The static version is
estimated to cost $96,140,
while the much more resilient
amphibious option raises the
price by just $4015, to a total
cost of $100,155.
which is wheelchair accessible
and has a folding wall so
that it can be opened up for
The design is inspired by
other uses. This extends the
native shotgun houses. The
useable open living space
front opens to a covered deck, of the home, suitable for the
which acts as a social hub and lifestyle of an elderly couple.
extends its relationship to the The design also allows for a
street. At the back, the private parking space at the front and
master bedroom overlooks
gardening areas at the back.
the backyard. Connecting
A short, gradual ramp leads
these two areas is a central
to the house from grade. Both
core with two bathrooms,
versions of the house achieve
laundry and utility rooms
ADA compliance and a LEED
and storage space. There is a
Platinum rating of 109 points.
convertible second bedroom
PARKING BELOW
GARDEN
BEDROOM 1
WC
BEDROOM 2
KITCHEN
PORCH
LIVING/DINING
BATHROOM
BATH
LAUNDRY/
UTILITIES
ELEVATED STATIC HOUSE FLOOR PLAN 1/4” SCALE
ELEVATED STATIC HOUSE FRONT ELEVATION 1/4” SCALE
WATER CISTERN
WC
BEDROOM 1
BEDROOM 2
PORCH
KITCHEN
BATHROOM
BATH
LIVING/DINING
LAUNDRY/
UTILITIES
PARKING
AMPHIBOUS RISING HOUSE FLOOR PLAN 1/4” SCALE
AMPHIBIOUS RISING HOUSE FRONT ELEVATION 1/4” SCALE
RISING To The Challenge
THE AMPHIBIOUS FOUNDATION
The amphibious foundation allows RISING House to elevate along with rising floodwater. The
amphibious foundation system incorporates buoyancy blocks and vertical guidance posts.
During flooding, the buoyancy blocks cause the house to float, while two telescoping guidance
posts, one at each end of the house, keep it from drifting away. As the water recedes, the house
settles back into its original place, to rest once again on the static pile foundation. Electric and
water supply are connected by long coiled “umbilical” lines. Connections to city sewer and gas
are automatically sealed during flooding with self-sealing breakaway valves that can later be
reconnected.
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION
The house is constructed of structural insulated panels (SIPS). This reduces both
construction waste and construction time. These modular, pre-fabricated panels are
stronger and have higher R-values than conventional framing and produce a tighter
building envelope, thus providing energy savings. They can resist winds up to 200
miles/hour, making them an outstanding system of construction for hurricane-prone
areas. Pockets can be built into the SIPS panels to contain sliding shutters to protect
the windows from wind-borne debris during a hurricane.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
RISING House achieves a LEED Platinum rating for both foundation
designs, garnering a total of 109 points, which is 29 points beyond the
requirement for a Platinum rating. Implemented strategies include the
use of recycled and renewable materials, day-lighting, energy-efficient
appliances and a photovoltaic array. The PV array will generate more than
40% of daily electrical needs. Interior finishes such as bamboo flooring and
recycled glass countertops are rapidly renewable and/or contain recycled
content. Permanent take-off entrance mats minimize the introduction of
contaminants into the living space, while low-VOC paints, finishes, sealants
and adhesives improve indoor air quality.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONTEXT
The amphibious house is similar in design to the static house; however,
it only requires a 36’ ramp as it is elevated to 3’ above grade. The deck
and landscaping are oriented differently, providing more useable space
on and near street level. This alternative to permanent static elevation
respects the street-centered social structure of New Orleans’ traditional
neighbourhoods, and removes the daily inconveniences resulting from
long staircases or 100’ ramps. This design is much more suitable for the
mobility needs of an elderly couple.
KITCHEN
BEDROOM 2
WC
CLOSET
BEDROOM 1
PORCH
LIVING/DINING
KITCHEN
BEDROOM 2
WC
CLOSET
BEDROOM 1
10” Structural
Insulated
Roof Panel
(SIP), R-30
6” Structural Insulated
Wall Panel (SIP), R-20
6” Structural Insulated Wall Panel (SIP),
R-20
10” x 10” Thermoplastic Timber
Vertical Guidance Post, chamfered
corners
RISING HOUSE SECTION
3/16” SCALE
14” diam. Pearson Pile
8” Structural Insulated Wall Panel (SIP),
R-20
10” x 10” Thermoplastic Timber
Vertical Guidance Post, chamfered
corners
RISING HOUSE EAST
ELEVATION 3/16” SCALE
14” diam. Pearson Pile
Guidance posts in extended position.
LIVING/DINING
STATIC HOUSE SECTION
3/16” SCALE
Vertical Alignment Sleeve
Guidance posts in retracted position.
PORCH
RISING HOUSE WEST
ELEVATION 3/16” SCALE