Brew Design: The Float House, NOLA

Dear Percy, I see your housing project--- -and raise you a Floating House.

The Float House, designed by Morphosis Architects, is the latest design to be built by Brad Pitt's Make It Right Foundation, which is helping families rebuild eco-friendly homes in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
It's like you're Noah and your house is an arc where people can take refuge from flood waters. Sound crazy? Think again.
Brad Pitt's Make it Right Foundation unveiled the first Float House on Wednesday. The home, designed by Morphosis Architects, basically turns into a giant raft in the event of flooding, rising up on guide posts that keep it from floating away. To say that this design floats my boat is an understatement; but there is one thing about it that my eco-heart can't love: The chassis that allows it to float has a polystyrene core.

Polystyrene is Eco-Friendly?According to an NPR interview with the designer, the polystyrene core is covered by glass-reinforced concrete, but it's unclear whether the polystyrene is completely contained, and if it isn't, there is the risk of off-gassing in the home--not great for the home-owners. And what happens if the concrete coating cracks?
Polystyrene production also requires many harmful chemicals, including benzene, a known carcinogen and potent volatile organic compound, so it's not exactly a fantastically green or healthy option.
Benefits of a Floating HomeWhile it may not be the greenest option, there are some important benefits to this design.
If the area floods, the home will float upward, up to 12 feet, while a pair of guideposts keep the home from floating away. In addition to creating a safe environment, the design prevents water damage and a whole lot of waste. (For anyone who is worried about gas leaks and live electrical wires, there's a break-off system to eliminate those risks, and the home can run on battery power for three days.)

Source
Photo courtesy of Morphosis Architects

Morphosis Architects (Principal Tom Mayne is a modern architectural god...if you don't know now you know!!!)

Make It Right Foundation

Game, BillyGoat!

**All jokes aside, of course anything that can be done to make New Orleans safe and healthy for its citizens is wonderful (pull ya pannies out your rectum, humorless readers).