As climate change brings about increasingly extreme Category 5 Hurricane events, innovative construction methods are helping protect homes and reduce their environmental footprint.
In the wake of Category 5 Hurricane Michael’s devastating impact on the Florida Panhandle five years ago, resilient housing solutions are gaining momentum in the region
One exemplary home in Mexico Beach, Florida, demonstrated remarkable resilience when faced with a Category 5 Hurricane during Hurricane Michael. Bonny Paulson’s distinctive round-shaped house, built by Deltec, remained largely unscathed, thanks to its hurricane-resistant design. Solar panels securely fastened to the roof and an emphasis on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances contribute to both resilience and sustainability.
Deltec, a company with a strong track record of constructing hurricane-resistant homes, highlights the importance of combining resilience with environmentally conscious practices. They prioritize high-quality insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and solar power. According to Steve Linton, Deltec’s CEO, resilience should be an integral part of sustainability.
Other companies are taking this approach to a community level. Pearl Homes’ Hunters Point community in Cortez, Florida, consists of LEED-certified platinum homes that are raised above flood levels, equipped with solar panels, and backed by battery systems for uninterrupted power during outages.
Babcock Ranch in South Florida, a solar-powered town, goes beyond energy generation by focusing on hurricane-resistant construction
Their homes feature securely strapped roofs, buried power lines, and outward-swinging doors to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. The community also sold a significant portion of its land for wetland preservation, enhancing water management and reducing flood risk.
The Florida Keys are also embracing resilient housing, where Deltec homes offer both sustainability and hurricane readiness. As climate concerns grow, homeowners are increasingly seeking these resilient and eco-friendly housing solutions, emphasizing the importance of a dual approach to combat the challenges of climate change in the Florida Panhandle.
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