From futuristic architect Dr Margot Krasojević comes an unheard of design solution for hurricanes called the Self-Excavation Hurricane House. By using the storms force and a helicoid retaining wall, the structure digs itself into its intentionally designed landscape.

The residential program is held within a precast reinforced concrete superstructure frame. When the hurricane’s eyewall hits, the wind force moves the superstructure along the helicoid retaining wall and excavation begins. Hydraulic column lifts pivot the house. A reinforced concrete core acts as the building's anchor, sitting atop a cable grid foundation. Inside, flexible rubber-coated concertina wall sections adapt to the buildings rotation.

For this design, the landscape is arguably as important as the structure. The house is encompassed by an artificial wetland island to repel flood water, similar to a bioswale. Excavated ground is pushed away from the building via a sixty-four timber section irrigation system. With the drainage system at work, this project aids land reclamation and water purification.

As the building moves into place it mirrors the hurricane’s movements. The storm passes over and around the building while simultaneously dissipating.

Though it may look like something from a sci-fi flick, the potential it has to save lives and property in hurricane-prone regions of the world is something worth considering.

Images courtesy of Margot Krasojević Architects