Norwich Union Flood Design Competition : Images

Commended entry for the Norwich Union Flood Design Competition cre8architecture The competition launched by Norwich Union, with the support of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), aimed to see how architects would tackle the problem of building on flood plains in a livable, workable and insurable way. A total of 85 entrants from across the globe delivered plans for a family home and garden, that would form part of a larger residential development situated on a flood plain. Cre8architecture design 'Water Lily' was commanded and is now part of a publication which represents a compendium of design strategies that seek to mitigate flood risk, and will be a useful reference to anyone involved with the issue. Water LiLy - Flood Tolerant Design Recognising that change happens we have conceived a house for the future - focusing upon energy efficiency, sustainability and social responsibility. The design should let the water in rather than pushing the water to the next area. Absorbing the water will protect more vulnerable adjacent areas and adaptation will protect the house A floating ground floor 'pad' and 'petals' that articulate in response to the change in the environment. Principles The ground floor sits on a floating pad around a fixed central core that houses circulation and services. The height of the ground floor will vary and be taken up by the double articulated joint at first floor allowing all accommodation above this to remain completely unaffected. Considered design should allow the flood to alter how we use the home but not destroy it. Changing the flood from catastrophe to celebration with minimum disruption and loss to the occupants.