Many of the world’s most scenic locations for vacation homes are unfortunately also prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Builders and architects are constantly challenged with creating beautiful homes that can stand up to nature’s harshest elements. For many Americans, especially those in the Northeast, a vacation home in a warmer climate — such as South Florida or the Gulf of Mexico — has a myriad of benefits where the weather is sunny year-round, and every day is paradise.
Even though these vacation spots are idyllic in so many ways, there is one issue that is always top of mind: building a home that can withstand the wrath and the devastating impact of a hurricane. In fact, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active one in recorded history. The impact was widespread and catastrophic, with $1.3 trillion in damage and billed as the costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record.
A Deltec home is still standing amid the rubble in Mexico Beach, Fla., after Hurricane Michael roared ashore as a Category 5 hurricane in 2018. (Deltec Homes)
According to Steve Linton, a structural engineer and president of Deltec Homes, “Homeowners who want to build a vacation home in the Southeast, the Bahamas or the Caribbean must be aware of the risks and it is a smart decision to have them consider building a durable and hurricane-resilient home that can survive a category five hurricane. These areas are high-risk, and they must protect their home investment.”
Deltec Homes — in business for 54 years — is known around the world for their flagship 360 degree round homes that can withstand winds of up to 185 miles per hour. Always on the forefront of innovation, they are in the process of building hurricane-resistant homes that can battle winds of 225 miles an hour. The company has continuously pushed the limits of resilient coastal homes with panoramic views and their distinctive, circular design and innovative engineering has sustained its structure through rigorous devastating storms. The aerodynamic shape of the homes prevents wind from building up enough pressure on any side, avoiding a structural failure. The reinforced roof is at an optimal pitch to deflect the winds and reduce any possible lift.
“We understand what it takes to build a home in a severe wind and hurricane-prone environment, and we are focused on the details of engineering the most durable home possible for nature’s harshest weather.”
Experts conclude that climate change has swept in a new era of more intense and frequent calamities. Each year, hurricanes and storm-related flooding cause around $34 billion in damage to U.S. households. For those looking to purchase a vacation home or even relocate permanently, Linton advises homeowners to take proactive measures to protect their property.