"Nehmo" wrote in message
...
Let's say you're building a 1,500 square foot house plus garage on a
sufficiently sized lot from scratch in New Orleans after the water has
been drained. You want to build so that the house would suffer zero
damage should it endure a hurricane of similar size as Katrina.

The house would have independent utilities, communication, and supplies.
And the house would need a secure means of transportation for escape if
necessary.

How should this house be built and what should it have?

Some of the codes for building at the shores take some of this into
consideration already. Most have to be raised about eight feet and no
utilities below that.

I'd probably use ICF construction. www.polysteel.com or
www.integraspec.com While the outside may have superficial damage, the
walls would not collapse. Shutters for the windows.

Plenty of supplies on hand, but I'd also have some sort of water
filtration/purification system. Generator, of course, but I'm now sure that
the best fuel would be. You'd want at least a two week fuel supply and
something easily replenished if longer term is needed.