As hurricanes intensify globally due to the climate crisis, there’s a growing search for architectural solutions that can withstand violent storms—homes that offer greater resilience against extreme weather to protect lives and minimize property damage.
In the United States, storm-resistant homes are gaining significant attention. Tropical cyclones are the most costly climate disasters in terms of both human and material losses. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes have caused the highest number of weather-related deaths—estimated at around 7,000 Americans since 1980.
A Growing Industry for Hurricane-Resistant Homes
Numerous construction companies have emerged with a focus on hurricane-resistant homes. Among them is a U.S.-based company that, over the past three decades, has built thousands of homes that have withstood powerful hurricanes across all U.S. states and in over 30 countries worldwide.
Professor Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Miami, says that this type of climate-resilient architecture can save lives in the face of extreme weather. He emphasizes the need to explore more flexible housing solutions that adapt to the conditions of each environment.
Circular Homes
The company’s CEO explained to the BBC that their success lies in designing homes that work with nature rather than against it. Unlike traditional box-shaped homes with flat roofs—which block wind flow—these circular homes are built to allow wind to flow around them, reducing resistance and damage during storms.
The company focused on dome-like circular designs, as the rounded shape makes the structure more aerodynamic. This helps redirect wind flow and reduces pressure on the home by up to 30%, effectively lowering wind force. Additionally, the circular design allows the home to absorb and distribute energy more efficiently than traditional rectangular structures.
The company’s CEO explains that during a hurricane, there are two main threats: wind and flooding—and often, water poses the greater danger. To mitigate this, homes are built on elevated stilts to avoid flood damage, and are equipped with vents that allow water to pass through to equalize pressure.
To further reduce flood risk, roads are also elevated and designed to channel accumulated rainwater away from homes, allowing water to flow naturally through the local environment.
Linton notes that rainwater will always find its way, and if we try to resist nature, we’ll lose time and again. Instead, we must allow water to flow freely—but direct it toward wetlands, swamps, gardens, and native plant zones. These natural areas can effectively manage heavy rainfall and reduce the risk of homes being flooded.
Green Building
With the success of these designs, companies have also begun to focus on green building—making homes not only more resilient to extreme weather but also more environmentally friendly. This includes securely mounted solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, high-quality insulation to reduce reliance on air conditioning, recycled building materials, and expanded green spaces that absorb carbon.
Buildings are responsible for about 38% of total annual greenhouse gas emissions due to energy consumption, emissions, and pollution. Therefore, how a home is built plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint.
Housing developers continue to design structures that are climate-resilient, adaptable, and sustainable. Companies that have embraced circular homes—designed to flow with the wind rather than resist it—have proven the effectiveness of this approach. These homes stand strong against hurricanes and serve as inspiring models for architects worldwide.
