Floating villages as a solution to rising sea levels

The Netherlands is preparing for a new challenge of climate change - rising sea levels. As land increasingly sinks below sea level, and the population grows, the idea of building floating villages becomes more attractive. The Netherlands, known for its ability to manage water, is now turning to new technologies to overcome the challenges posed by rising sea levels.

One of the most ambitious plans is the construction of a floating village in the Zuidplas area, which is literally the lowest area in the country. The settlement, named Cortelande, was voted on in a public competition and is intended for 8,000 homes. The village will be located 4.45 meters below Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP), the basic reference point for measuring water levels in the Netherlands. This village represents an innovative approach to urban construction as it combines modern technologies, recycled materials, and sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by life below sea level [7].

Schoonschip and Waterbuurt - examples of successful construction on water

The city of Amsterdam is already known for its floating settlements. Schoonschip, a small project that started in 2009, has become a pioneer in the design of floating settlements in the country. This settlement consists of 30 houses, half of which are two-story, and was created as a prototype of a sustainable community. Residents of Schoonschip often share resources such as bicycles and cars and use solar energy and shared thermal pumps to reduce consumption [8]. Similarly, Waterbuurt is a larger project on the water that spans Lake Eimer, with houses built to accommodate the growing population and increasing housing needs [9].

The uniqueness of these floating houses lies in their architecture and innovation. Waterbuurt houses are made of wood, plastic, and glass, and are stabilized using concrete caissons to prevent them from swaying during storms or the passage of larger vessels. Residents have access to the mainland via concrete jetties, and underneath them run installations for water, sewage, electricity, and gas. This settlement symbolizes the future of urban construction in a country that has been struggling with water for centuries [9].

Advantages and challenges of floating settlements

Floating settlements carry numerous advantages but also challenges. On one hand, these homes help address the problem of land scarcity for construction in areas like the Netherlands, where more than a third of the land is below sea level. Olthuis, an architect who has designed over 300 floating buildings, emphasized that living on the water helps the Netherlands cope with the flood threat in a way that fits into the natural environment, even with occasional floods [8].

On the other hand, challenges such as storm conditions and increased swaying of structures remain important factors in designing these houses. In Schoonschip, for example, during the first storms, residents felt oscillations that transmitted all the way up to the third floor of their houses. Furthermore, connecting to urban infrastructure systems, such as the electrical grid and sewage systems, requires special waterproof cables and pumps [8].

Strategies for coping with climate change

Instead of the classic approach of building dikes to prevent flooding, the Dutch government has opted for a strategy called "Room for the River," which allows certain areas to flood during periods of heavy rain. This paradigm shift symbolizes a different approach to water management - acceptance rather than fighting against water. Floating settlements represent a logical step in that direction, as they allow residents to live alongside water without fear of flooding [8].

Architects working on floating home projects collaborate with engineers and ecologists to create sustainable and safe communities that can cope with environmental changes. One of the ways sustainability is achieved is by using eco-friendly materials and creating micro-energy networks that allow for sharing excess energy among residents. In this way, living on water not only becomes environmentally friendly but also contributes to the energy independence of the community [8].

The future of water construction

Floating villages could become a key solution to climate challenges faced not only by the Netherlands but also by many other countries around the world. The Netherlands is a living proof that it is possible to transform the uncertainty brought by rising sea levels into an opportunity for innovation and sustainable living. The increased demand for floating houses indicates that this type of housing is becoming more mainstream, especially in urban areas where land is a limited resource [10].

As climate change becomes a reality, building on water may become a necessity for many communities around the world. Dutch examples show how we can change our relationship with water - not as a threat, but as an opportunity to create a new living environment.