The house stands on the inner rods of these pistons and doesn’t touch the earth. These pistons are not visible from outside or inside the house and are entrenched 25 feet into the earth.
“To avoid the floating house from being swept away by the floodwaters, I have placed four steel pistons in four corners through the walls. When the water level rises, so will the structure. (Source: Gopalakrishnan Achari)Īchari mentions that air tanks installed in the foundation of the house are what help the house rise. Then I redesigned it to ensure the house is equipped for a possible flood situation.” P Gopalakrishnan Achari (Right) receiving an award. Taking me nearly five years to build the house, I built it in 2017. First, I constructed a model house using steel pipe and multi-wood sheets. So, there was a need to look for other materials that are cost-effective and eco-friendly. Speaking to The Better India, Achari explains, “For the past few years, the construction sector in Kerala has been facing a tough time in procuring rock, baby metal and sand. Interestingly, it was not originally meant to be a flood-resistant house. When the water level rises during floods, his design allows the house to literally float atop the floodwaters. Support People With Disability: A collection of great products created by artisans with disabilities. P Gopalakrishnan Achari, a resident of Vazhappilly, is one such person. In anticipation of these extreme weather conditions, many have resorted to innovative design structures or construction methods to minimise the damage. Torrential rains, floods and landslides batter certain parts of Kerala every monsoon, while residents, who have spent hefty sums building their homes, helplessly witness the severe damages.