Preservation of stilt houses using floating solutions

Coastal communities face increasing threats from seasonal floods and rising sea levels. This study proposes an innovative solution by retrofitting traditional stilt houses in Hong Kong’s Tai O fishing village into amphibious structures. These culturally significant vernacular dwellings are highly vulnerable to storm damage; thus, the goal is to provide flood protection while preserving their architectural heritage. Using 3D scanning data, a floating system with vertical and lateral supports was designed to allow the house to rise and fall with water levels. Finite Element modeling verified the structural adequacy of the system at both frame and joint levels against extreme environmental loads, specifically a 2.6 m/s floodwater velocity and 3 kPa wind pressure. This floating solution approach significantly improves resident safety and promotes the sustainable development of coastal communities in Tai O and beyond.