1. A Flood Resistant design

Hope Floats 

This uniquely designed house incorporates a "floating" floor: an adjustable steel frame that allows it to be raised above flood-water levels. The front porch detaches from its position and can be reattached two meters above ground to form a mezzanine level above the height of the floodwaters. When the floodwaters recede, the floor is simply returned to its original position. The house has an average area of 20 m² and is designed to withstand monsoon-strength winds of up to 160 km/h. An important feature of the "floating" home is that it can be assembled in two days with just a screwdriver and a wrench - particularly important in disaster-struck areas with limited resources and urgent housing needs. As well, the design gives the owner flexibility to choose cladding material that is indigenous to the community, like palm fronds or thatching, and, consequently easily available. Over 15,000 floating homes have been built in the Mekong Delta area.