United Kingdom Builder Develops Flood-Proof Smart Home Technology

Some parts of the United Kingdom are prone to flooding, making constructing homes in those areas challenging. Nevertheless, by utilizing this technology that makes their homes flood-proof, people will feel at ease when the next flood occurs.

Recently, a builder from the United Kingdom presented a brand new smart house technology to the public. The Jack System, which detects water and lifts the house to five feet, is incorporated into its construction to prevent flooding. Continue reading to learn more.

Flood

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Flood-Proof House

Andrew Parker, a constructor from the United Kingdom, invented the technology that lifts the pant legs for dwellings during floods. With the use of a Jack System that has been given the name FloodJack, the Hadley FloodSAFE House has been created. This home is designed to be modular and features a jack system that lifts the house when flood levels rise and then lowers it again when the threat has gone.

Parker stated that they are leveraging their combined expertise and understanding in the swiftly progressing domain of flood technology to create and advocate for flood adaptive technology through collaboration. This technology will safeguard residential properties from the heightened flood hazards arising from climate change.

Accordingly, the Jack system shows a lot of potential. The lift is activated when sensors throughout the house detect that the water level is increasing. Within 15 seconds, it begins to take effect. The house is elevated to a height of almost precisely five feet above the ocean. Following the subsidence of the water, the house is lowered. 

Moreover, the contractor believes that his technology will transcend residential properties. He asserts that utility, transportation, commercial, and industrial environments could benefit from a lift during floods. Also, a multi-purpose Flood Adaptive Platform is reportedly promoted on the website.

Protecting various infrastructures across various industries is a significant potential use. Parker noted that technology has already demonstrated value by preserving residences and property. At this point, he intends to magnify the impact. 

On the other hand, it is estimated that between the years 2000 and 2020, the number of individuals "exposed to floods" worldwide has increased by as much as 24%. According to NASA, this is ten times higher than what was projected to occur. Even though specialists cannot establish a direct connection between every flood and global warming, NASA scientists have reported that higher temperatures worldwide have boosted the frequency and severity of extreme weather.

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Hadley FloodSAFE House

Through a team effort between the Flood Technology Group, the Hadley Group, the University of Liverpool, and WSP, the Hadley FloodSAFE House was constructed to ensure people's and property's safety during a flood. It was created using the same modular building techniques commonly found in affordable and social housing projects, making it an incredibly alluring opportunity for housing developers and local governments throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

In the event of floods, it can alleviate the strain placed on emergency services and significantly cut down on the expenses associated with cleaning up the aftermath of flooding.

Thus, even though it is constructed off-site, this low-carbon, steel-framed house resembles a typical house. However, it is supported by a built-in mechanical jack system that automatically raises above flood water to safeguard the building from structural damage and ensure its contents remain safe and dry.

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