Rebuilding with flood-resilience in mind
Having made the decision to stay and rebuild, local builder Tim and his partner Alicia got to work rebuilding a flood resilient home they hope to live in for the next 30 years. Rather than simply rebuilding what was lost, the home was redesigned with flood resilience in mind, incorporating materials and construction methods that reduce damage, speed up recovery and provide greater protection against future flood events.
Flood resilient inspired design
Building back stronger was the goal. To achieve it, a team of builders took on a challenge that many had never attempted: constructing a fully suspended concrete slab for a residential home. While uncommon in elevated housing, the concrete floor provides a durable, flood-resistant structure that is less susceptible to structural damage when exposed to water. Compared with traditional timber flooring, it can better withstand inundation, does not warp or rot, and is easier to clean, repair and restore after a flood.
"I'm going strong and making it flood resilient. If the water does manage to get above it, it's concrete. We hose it out and keep going."
To further increase the home’s flood resilience, several other design features were integrated throughout the build:
1 metre elevated slab above the flood level
This raises the living areas above potential future flood waters, significantly reducing the likelihood of flood damage to the home. It also lowers repair costs, shortens recovery time after flood events and can improve safety during severe weather.
"I could tell them the exact point where the floods were, and I want our floor to be a metre above this"
Water resistant internal wall panelling
Water absorption is minimised when flooding occurs, reducing mould growth, swelling and deterioration. Damaged sections can be cleaned rather than replaced, speeding up recovery and reducing remediation costs.
Bathroom floors finished with epoxy paint, rather than tiles
A seamless, waterproof surface is easier to clean and disinfect after flood exposure. Unlike tiles, there are no grout lines that can trap moisture, dirt or mould, reducing maintenance and making post-flood restoration faster.
Water resistant weatherboards around the outside
Helping protect the outside of the home during heavy rain and flood events, water resistant weatherboards provide a robust external barrier. The material is less likely to deteriorate, swell or require replacement after exposure to moisture, improving the home's long-term durability.
"If we need to, we take the bottom two or three layers of weather boards off, we can expose the walls that way, and then dry them out which is quite easy to do."
Even with raised floors, larger floods are always possible. Considering water resistant materials and resilient design are important steps you can take to prepare for the future.
More than peace of mind
Not only does a flood resilient design provide peace of mind in preparation for severe weather, it provides long lasting benefits after an event. With reduced flood damage and repair costs, lower maintenance and replacement requirements and improved health outcomes from reduced mould and moisture, this home has been transformed from a flood-affected property into a model of resilience, ready to meet future challenges with greater strength and security.
Watch the video about Tim and Alicia's rebuild.
Building back more resilient with the Resilient Homes Program
Read more about our Flood Resilient Design in our guide.
Check out our Local News page for more stories on resilience, recovery, disaster preparedness, community initiatives and NSW Reconstruction Authority programs.