Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"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.

Add Composting toilets, solar electric power and a large water storage tank
(3000+)
Dome type concrete construction with garage on bottom with water flow
through capability (open doors to let storm surge through) oh wait, I saw
one of these on Discovery channel already built in Florida. Built to
withstand over 300 mph winds.

Gary