Beach Home Design - Desirable But There's Much To Know.
Though there is much to know before one begins to Design a
Beach Home, these can be beautiful and a wonderful way to love and appreciate
what Coastal States, such as Florida, have to offer.
As in so much of what we do today, when we choose to create
a better world, the process is mostly owned by government regulators. These
unelected folks act daily to protect about everything they can think of from
the evils of creation and improvements. These rules, though extensive, are
finite in number and, with professional guidance, can be handled.
Here are five 5 issues, unique to building on a beach, that
need to be considered:
Elevation - The BFE (Base Flood Elevation) has been
established by zoning in most areas. This is a specified height above sea level
above which all horizontal structural members must built. Generally, the finish
floors will be even higher than this level. This is an important requirement to
know. Note following it can be serious. I have personally known of structures
that had to be torn down and rebuild because they were found to be only inches
below the BFE. The government guys are not messing around with this.
FEMA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency regulates
much of this industry. They regulate the types and sizes of any ground level
enclosures, the allowed materials, the electrical fixtures and many other
aspects. Also, if one plans to close in the space under the home (often for
parking and storage) the walls must be designed to fall down during a storm
event. Called "break-away" walls, these walls are designed and built
to collapse during certain conditions so that water can flow naturally as though
the home was not there.
Pilings - Most beach homes have to be built elevated above
the ground on columns (or stilts). This is to achieve the required elevation.
Additionally, due to water erosion, pilings will be designed and placed under
the columns to support the structure. These will remain even if much of the
surrounding soil is washed away. A Geotechnical Engineer will run tests on the
ground and soil and design adequate support pilings. A Structural Engineer
design a structure that will handle the water, wind and gravity loads.
Windborn Debris - Since storm winds can pick up and throw
debris through the air, windows and doors, along the coast, must be designed to
withstand the impacting forces of these flying projectiles. These "impact
resistant" units can be purchased from a large selection of manufacturers.
DER - The Department of Environmental Regulation will be
involved in the approval of the new Beach Home Design. They will attempt to
assure that beach features as well as wetlands are undisturbed. They look at
potential effects on wildlife such as preventing light from the home from
affecting the sea turtles and beach mice habitats. Additionally, there are
generally more restrictive setback requirements (in addition to the local
requirements) that are imposed by DER.
Beach home design, while exciting and aesthetic, is quite
technical. However, many consider it worth it to achieve the ultimate in livingin Florida and southeastern coastal states. The requirements are numerous - but
finite. There are only so many.
Hiring a good professional designer is your best bet to
assure that you are guided through the process thoroughly and beautifully.
Post Title → Beach Home Design - Desirable But There's Much To Know.
