Modern house elevated on a central pillar with a couple standing on the glass balcony and a man walking two dogs near a wooden fence.

Seaview House

Location: Norwich

World map in gray with a red 3D location marker over northwestern Europe.

Background

Flood resilient architecture is no longer a theoretical ideal but a practical necessity.

As climate change intensifies and sea levels rise, properties on floodplains are increasingly exposed, calling for design that not only resists water but adapts to it. This design isn’t just about survival in a flood; it’s a forward-thinking vision of how to live harmoniously with water.

By combining cutting-edge engineering, sustainable energy, and contextual architectural thinking, this home will serve as a flood-proof exemplar, inspiring future developments on vulnerable lands.

Aerial view of a coastal area with boats moored offshore, a pier, a marina with boats on land, and a green landscape with scattered trees and houses.
Sketch of a modern house elevated on stilts above terraced green fields under a blue sky.

Process

The design process began with an in-depth site analysis,mapping the floodplain, assessing historical flood data, and projecting future risk. Recognising that this location is vulnerable to increasingly severe flood events due to climate change, the team aligned their strategy with property flood resilience (PFR) principles.

We adopted an integrated design approach, coordinating architecture, landscape, civil engineering, and environmental strategy, echoing frameworks discussed in academic research on flood resilience. One of the key moves was to elevate the primary floor above the 1-in-1000-year flood level, exceeding Environment Agency minimum requirements. At the same time, lower areas, such as garages, the garden, and vehicle storage, are designed to flood safely and drain, ensuring minimal damage and rapid recovery.

To blend sustainability with resilience, the process also integrated renewable energy: south-facing pitched roofs accommodate photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems; a ground-source heat pump is provisioned for; and glazing is arranged to facilitate natural cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. The design includes generous overhangs to balance solar gain across seasons.

The garden acts not just as a living space but as a flood-mitigation buffer: earth-terraced areas and planted berms absorb and channel water, while retaining walls both protect access and prevent vehicles from drifting in a flood event.

3D model of a house frame with roof trusses elevated above a curved foundation base casting shadows.
Steel frame structure of a building under construction on a dirt lot with ladders and construction materials around.

Architecture

At its heart, this home is a modern architectural statement rooted in its context. The building’s form draws on local typologies, using pitched roofs, traditional materials, and a contemporary aesthetic that sits comfortably alongside the surrounding built environment. The design masterfully fuses exemplar low-energy design with spatial quality: large, high-performance glazing brings in abundant daylight, while roof overhangs on the south, east, and west help shade interiors in summer, reducing overheating.

Structurally, the house is designed to coexist with water rather than fight it. The ground level is engineered to handle flooding: with resistant materials, a drainage and sump-pump system, and recoverability finishes, water ingress is managed without compromising the fabric. The first floor, raised well above flood levels, houses the primary living spaces. This elevated strategy ensures that the core of the house remains dry even in extreme events.

Sustainability is central. The architecture incorporates renewable energy systems: photovoltaic or solar-thermal panels on pitched roofs, and the potential for a ground-source heat pump, either horizontal or via borehole. These systems reduce the building’s carbon footprint and provide long-term energy resilience.

The garden architecture is equally sophisticated. Landscaped terraces form an intuitive landscape that floods progressively, giving occupants visual cues of rising water. Retaining walls help buffer the house and provide structural protection, while planting not only beautifies but functions as part of the flood management strategy. This is architecture that is both beautiful and purposeful.

Architectural model of a modern building with a large cantilevered roof and decorative perforated panels, elevated on a cylindrical base.
Modern house with a dark shingled upper structure and wooden gabled ends on a concrete base, set in a green grassy area with a woman walking a dog nearby.
Architectural wooden model of a modern house with a slanted roof and decorative yellow panels.
Aerial view of a modern house with a gray roof surrounded by green lawns and a sculpted garden with colorful flowers, adjacent to pathways and a small marina with sailboats.
Modern terrace with wooden ceiling and glass railing overlooking a lush garden, featuring one woman sitting at a glass table and two women standing and pointing into the distance.
Modern bright dining area with white geometric chairs around a table, a fruit bowl on the kitchen island, a fireplace, and large glass windows showing an outdoor landscape.
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