Research & Development in Flood-Resilient Architecture

Alongside water, our research and development practices are embedded within the DNA of our practice. At BACA, we believe cities that embrace and take advantage of water will be best placed to meet the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the next 20-30 years and beyond.

Seven books on urban planning and climate resilience, including titles on flooding, aquatecture, future climate design, sustainable housing, hydroelastic floating structures, and design data.

Aquatecture: A Water-Centric Approach

‘Aquatecture’ is our water-centric design philosophy, reconciling development goals with flood resilience and climate change adaptation. By designing products in, on, near and under water, we unlock strategic opportunities for urban, waterfront, and dockland development that might otherwise remain unrealised. This approach was crystallised in our book published by the RIBA, since becoming a key reference in the field of flood-resilient and sustainable design.

Aquatecture book cover showing a stylized blue and white map of a city with waterways and the title 'aquatecture' in modern font.

Case Studies and Books: From Philosophy to Policy

Our research-driven philosophy informs books, industry guidance, and policy development, shaping how we engage with water. BACA’s expertise contributed to Cities and Flooding: A Guide to Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management for the 21st Century, published by The World Bank, and the Flood Aware Design Chapter in the Fifth Edition of the Metric Handbook. This foundation is paired with a sense of appreciation for beauty and history, allowing us to create future-proofed cities that are full of life, vitality and joy.

A person wading through floodwaters in a city street carrying a plastic bag above the water.
Cover of the book titled 'Metric Handbook Planning and Design Data' edited by Pamela Buxton, fifth edition, with a red background.
Cover of The Life Handbook for Long-term Initiatives for Flood-risk Environments with logos of associated organizations on blue background.
Modern wooden overwater villa with illuminated ceiling, swimming pool, and a man standing on the deck at sunset.
Modern floating house with large windows reflecting on water with green lily pads at sunset.
Modern bathroom with a shiny copper bathtub, round window showing a forest view, and a small table with a water bottle and steaming cup.
Group of adults standing and sitting around a table examining a large architectural or site plan in a room with stone arches.
Hand-drawn map section showing a coastal area with water, small green islands, sailboats, orange dashed lines with arrows, and black solid lines representing paths or roads.
Modern houses with pitched roofs behind a calm blue water body and several leafy green trees along the water edge.
Modern concrete building shaped like a whale tail emerging from blue ocean water with a pier and people in the background.
Wooden staircase and deck in front of modern red brick houses with slanted roofs and large windows, shaded by tree branches.
Modern glass building with curved illuminated exterior and people relaxing by a curved outdoor pool under leafy tree branches.
Close-up of a blue tiled roof with a skylight window reflecting light and pine trees in the background.

Recognition & Publications

Our work has been widely recognised and featured across many industry publications. Featuring in Houses That Can Save the World and The Architects’ Journal, highlighting projects such as Skylark and The Weave House, showcasing our approach to resilient, design-led architecture. Alongside academic collaborations, policy contributions, and professional recognition, these publications reinforce our role as thought leaders in the dialogue of architecture, water, and resilience.

Modern wooden house with a circular window by a lake at sunset with pink and orange clouds.Wooden geodesic dome interior filled with lush green plants and a person looking outside, overlaid with the text 'HOUSES THAT CAN SAVE THE WORLD'.Architectural model of a modern Weave House with angular rooflines on a display base labeled '305 Bridge Street'.
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