Property Porn

This coastal house could withstand a tsunami

It is confusingly called Tsunami House, though.
9.15am, 18 Jan 2014
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THE TSUNAMI HOUSE stands dangerously close to the coast on Camano Island in the US state of Washington.

The building’s design is as impressive as it looks.

In a high-risk flood area, it was built with the most stringent disaster FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) building codes.

According to Designs Northwest Architects’ Dan Nelson, “It’s incredibly safe.”

Camano Island, home to less than 14,000 people, is located in the Possession Sound portion of Puget Sound, located in Island County, Washington. It is connected to the mainland with one bridge.

The project began in 2006 and was finally completed last summer.

Take the tour:

This coastal house could withstand a tsunami
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  • Flood Zone

    Steps away from the water, Tsunami House is located on a FEMA-designated high velocity flood zone.

  • Seven Years

    The homeowners lived in a cabin on this 30-feet by 30-feet area before designers cleared the land and began the seven-year project.

  • Beautiful Views

    The waterfront home has beautiful views of the Puget Sound but is located in an area prone to earthquakes, severe winds, and flooding.

  • The Flood Room

    Dubbed the Flood Room, the lower level has walls that are designed to break during a water surge. "This level is made entirely out of waterproof materials and furnished with durable outdoor furniture," Nelson said.

  • Concrete Columns

    FEMA building codes requires this home to be elevated on nine 2-feet-thick concrete columns in order for flood water to pass through.

  • Taking the Brunt

    "This part of the house is designed to take the brunt of any storm," Nelson said. FEMA codes require the main living areas to be above this portion of the home.

  • Raised

    Here is the beautiful 887-square-foot main living area which is raised 9 feet from ground level for safety.

  • Second Floor

    The master bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen are all located on this second floor in compliance with FEMA building regulations.

  • Tiles and Wood

    The floors of the home are porcelain tiles and the ceiling is made from gorgeous red cedar wood.

  • Views

    The wide fireplace is set in a wave-inspired plaster panel. The large aluminum framed windows offer sweeping views of the coast.

  • Stairs

    The steel stairs save space and lead to a small 198-square-foot loft area that has a guest bedroom.

  • Bedroom

    "A team of five architects, engineers, and designers brought the plans of this project to life," Nelson said.

  • Sun Deck

    A large sand filter drain was constructed and then hidden by a sun deck. From the road, concrete and wood barriers block views to the 3-foot-high sun deck.

  • Protection

    "We had to run all of the electrical, heating ventilation, and plumbing 5 feet above ground level," Nelson said. Elevating the equipment helps prevent extensive damage in the event of a storm.

  • Sea Levels

    This kind of flood-proof design may be needed as sea levels rise around the world.
  • Steps away from the water, Tsunami House is located on a FEMA-designated high velocity flood zone.
  • The homeowners lived in a cabin on this 30-feet by 30-feet area before designers cleared the land and began the seven-year project.
  • The waterfront home has beautiful views of the Puget Sound but is located in an area prone to earthquakes, severe winds, and flooding.
  • Dubbed the Flood Room, the lower level has walls that are designed to break during a water surge.
  • FEMA building codes requires this home to be elevated on nine 2-feet-thick concrete columns in order for flood water to pass through.
  • Here is the beautiful 887-square-foot main living area which is raised 9 feet from ground level for safety.
  • The master bedroom, living room, dining room, and kitchen are all located on this second floor in compliance with FEMA building regulations.
  • The floors of the home are porcelain tiles and the ceiling is made from gorgeous red cedar wood.
  • The wide fireplace is set in a wave-inspired plaster panel. The large aluminum framed windows offer sweeping views of the coast.
  • The steel stairs save space and lead to a small 198-square-foot loft area that has a guest bedroom.
  • A large sand filter drain was constructed and then hidden by a sun deck. From the road, concrete and wood barriers block views to the 3-foot-high sun deck.
  • This kind of flood-proof design may be needed as sea levels rise around the world.

Going, going… gone. Charles Haughey’s former home sells for €5.5 million

If we’re out of recession, should we rent Eddie Irvine’s old pad?

Photos: Canadian island for sale for €55 million (including golf course, naturally)

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