Maasbommel, Netherlands
The world’s first amphibious housing complex opened in the Netherlands this month. Much of the country is below sea level, and villages flood nearly every year, despite a nationwide system of dams and embankments. The new luxury houses, designed by architect Grer Krengen, are built of lightweight wood set around concrete pillars that contain the electrical and sewage pipes. As the water approaches, the houses are designed to float up the posts, settling back down as the water recedes. “We are now even looking forward to the floods,” said homeowner Karel van der Molen, “for the thrill of having the house rise up.” If the new houses work as advertised, vast areas of swampy land could be reclaimed for development.
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