Floating Residence
Elevated Living for Resilience, Efficiency & Comfort
In a location prone to waterlogging and seasonal flooding, Cadright Architecture delivered a bold solution: a floating-style residential home that sits confidently above the ground, safe, efficient, and undeniably elegant.
With a high-raised foundation, a roof terrace, and an energy-efficient layout verified by the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Tool by IFC, this residence is proof that climate-smart design can also be luxurious.
Project Overview
- Project Title: Floating Residence Climate-Adaptive Luxury Home
- Location: Confidential Flood-Prone Zone, Tropical Africa
- Project Type: Private Residential
- Client Type: Urban Homeowner
- Services Rendered: Architectural Design, Climate Modeling, Energy Optimization
- Project Date: January, 2024
- Status: Completed
Elevated Foundation – A Floating Approach
Given the site’s high water table, we designed the entire structure on an elevated reinforced foundation. This not only avoids seasonal water intrusion but also:
- Extends the building lifespan by preventing water damage
- Creates underfloor access for services and inspections
- Elevates the structure for improved airflow and thermal separation from ground heat
The effect? A resilient home that feels like it’s floating above nature’s challenges.
Smart Site Layout – Efficient Land Use
To fully optimize the limited land parcel, we introduced:
- A semi-detached maid’s quarter tucked toward the rear
- Dedicated parking zones beside the home core
- Garden plots and green edges planned around the terrace view
- External stair access to roof terrace for leisure without interior disruption
This layout allows for privacy, functionality, and space maximization — within a small and technically demanding site.
Energy Efficiency Modeled with EDGE Tool (IFC)
To reduce operational costs and environmental impact, Cadright employed the EDGE Tool, a global benchmark system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Key Gains Achieved Using EDGE:
| Efficiency Category | Performance Optimization |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | Reduced cooling loads via natural shading & insulation |
| Thermal Comfort | Modeled and improved airflow and thermal zoning |
| Lighting & Equipment | Layout optimized for daylight use and lower artificial loads |
| Cooling Systems Impact | A/C sizing matched to reduced thermal loads = less usage |
This process ensures the home is not only beautiful and comfortable but also measurable in its sustainability performance.
Smart Home Ready – Systems with Flexibility
From structural design to system planning, the Floating Residence supports modern smart living:
| Smart Area | Feature or Provision Ready |
|---|---|
| Climate Control | Zoned A/C circuits, EDGE-modeled load, smart thermostats ready |
| Lighting Automation | Motion sensing in access zones, rooftop ambient presets |
| Security | Conduits for smart locks, video intercoms, CCTV |
| Power Management | Inverter allocation zones, solar-ready switchboards |
| Remote Monitoring | Home app control for major systems |
Cadright Smart Building Consultancy
Our additional contributions included:
- EDGE Tool simulation and reporting
- System zoning for smart and renewable compatibility
- App-ready planning and client onboarding
- Material choice advisory for climate performance
We don’t just design — we equip our clients for intelligent, energy-conscious living.
Final Word
The Floating Residence represents a visionary response to natural constraints merging architectural form, environmental data, and future-proofed living into a resilient, beautiful home.
At Cadright Architecture, we continue to lead in designing adaptive, measurable, and luxurious residential solutions across Africa.
Facing terrain, flood, or thermal challenges? Cadright Architecture delivers performance-based architecture for Africa’s evolving climate. Partner with us.
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