In 2023, William Fulford moved to a new waterfront development in South Florida called Hunters Point, which was developed by Pearl Homes. The community was billed as the first “net-zero” single-family home development in the US, meaning residents produce more energy from solar panels than they need. The homes in this development were designed to be sustainable, energy-efficient, and hurricane-proof. The streets were intentionally designed to flood, power and internet lines were buried, and the homes were fortified with concrete walls, hurricane-proof windows, and foam insulation.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton put the features of the homes in Hunters Point to the test. Most residents evacuated ahead of Hurricane Milton, but Fulford, a retired custom homebuilder, stayed behind with his wife, Sueann. They took precautions such as stocking up on water and groceries, moving their car to higher ground, tying up patio furniture, and bringing everything from the garage to the living spaces on the second floor. They also had life preservers on hand in case of a worst-case scenario. Despite the intense storms, the homes in Hunters Point stood strong, with residents reporting little to no damage.
Developer Marshall Gobuty ensured that the homes in Hunters Point were designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. The homes are three stories tall, with the living spaces starting on the second floor, which is built 16 feet above sea level. Solar panels and steel straps secure the entire structure, and the ground floor garage is designed with flood vents to drain rising water. The property also sits in a major flood zone, so the homes were elevated to meet building codes. Despite the higher cost of these hurricane-proof homes, residents like Fulford are impressed by the quality and resilience of their new homes.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, causing widespread damage in Florida. However, the homes in Hunters Point remained largely unaffected. The solar power and battery storage systems kept the lights on even after the storm passed. Gobuty stressed that the success of the homes in Hunters Point during the storms highlights the need for more homes to be built and designed in a similar way to prepare for the impacts of climate change. As storms become stronger and more frequent, resilient housing is essential to protect communities from disaster.
The homes in Hunters Point were carefully constructed with features such as flood vents, secure steel straps, and raised roofs to prevent damage during storms. The cost of these homes is higher compared to other new homes in the area, but residents believe that the investment in a resilient home that can withstand hurricanes is worth it. With the effects of climate change becoming more evident, residents and developers alike recognize the importance of building homes that can withstand extreme weather events. The success of Hunters Point in weathering Hurricanes Helene and Milton serves as a model for future developments in vulnerable coastal areas.
