Floating houses – the 'Dutch' transition to a more flood–resilient

12/03/2007

Dutch scientists predict a rise in sea levels of up to 110cm (43 inches) by the year 2100.

Small and densely populated the Netherlands is one of the countries most at risk from climate change and rising sea levels. In 1993 and again in 1995 floods forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes.

Now with climate change floods are likely to be more frequent and more severe.

A row of amphibious houses lines the waterfront at Maasbommel panelled in blue yellow and green. They have a hollow concrete cube at the base to give them buoyancy. A vertical pile keeps them anchored to the land.