Part of Holland lies below sea level and land on which to build new homes is scarce. In addition, the rising sea level in the Netherlands over the last century has claimed some land and this trend is expected to continue during the current century. In answer to these significant challenges, the Dutch have started constructing houses on the water.
[photo by: Sids1]
Some of these new home designs are for stationary houses built on stilts that sit high enough that there is no danger of flooding, so fluctuating water levels are of no concern. Others actually float on top of the water, and future options may even include the ability to move a home from one area to another.
These floating houses look much like other homes and include all the amenities with the exception of a garden. Built on a floating foundation made of a concrete-encased foam core, houses of this type may be moored in clusters with a series of dock-like structures that function to form a neighbourhood. Floating boulevards may also be used to provide access.
Floating homes are perfect for flood prone areas as the foundation allows the home to rise with the water level. Steel cables secure the home in place so that there is no danger it will float away on any current created by rising water.
In addition to single family homes, apartment buildings are also planned. After centuries of dealing with the whims of nature, rather than trying to control the influx of water, the Dutch are creatively developing ways to work with it.