Local firm Brillhart Architecture focused on creating a weather-proof home for the often unpredictable climate of Miami, Florida. The modern development was commissioned by a client who lost his previous residence to significant damage, caused by the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Brillhart Architecture is mindful of the floods and weather events in the Florida area, caused and intensified by climate change. As such, the firm worked to raise this house in Coconut Grove above sea level. The building is propped on galvanized steel pipes. During the process, Brillhart Architecture focused on creating an aesthetically pleasing silhouette, despite the rather unconventional structure. The architects played around with the stilts—placing some that "are extremely slender, and some [that] are angled" to evoke a more organic feel.
Image Credit: Michael Stavaridis and Stephan Goettlicher
What's Driving This Trend
- Weather-proof Architecture
- As extreme weather events continue to rise, there are opportunities for architects to design homes and buildings that can withstand environmental challenges.
- Elevated Structures
- Building structures on stilts or using elevated foundations could become a more common practice in areas prone to flooding and storm damage.
- Organic Silhouettes
- Designing aesthetically pleasing structures that also serve a functional purpose, such as protecting against harsh weather conditions, can be the next step in modern architecture.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- The field of architecture can embrace disruptive innovations to address pressing concerns caused by climate change and environmental challenges.
- Real Estate
- As storms and floods impact more regions, there will be demand for homes and buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Construction
- Adopting new building techniques and materials that can make homes more resilient against climate change could be a viable market for construction firms.
