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New Home Build
From Existing Dwelling to Flood-Resilient Coastal Home
Overview
Bracken Engineering, Inc. (BEI) was contacted by the new owners of the property with the goal of redeveloping to suite the needs of their family. This included razing the existing single-family dwelling, constructing a new dwelling, and providing various site features to accommodate a vacationing family.
Solution

BEI provided comprehensive design, permitting and construction administration services for the redevelopment of an existing single-family parcel. Wetland Resource Areas located on or adjacent to the site such as salt marshes, Coastal Banks, and Flood Zones made renovation of the existing dwelling impractical. A proposal to raze the existing dwelling and construct a new, flood compliant, structure was created.

BEI engaged a wetland scientist to delineate multiple resource areas associated with Red Brook Harbor.  A field survey was performed to include wetland flag locations, project-specific site details and topography, and a property bound survey.  BEI coordinated with a local architecture firm to create a flood compliant structure within a Velocity Flood Zone which met the goals of the owner as well as the following:

  • Improved site conditions through increasing setbacks from structures to the Wetland Resource Areas
  • Provided increased treatment of wastewater through the use of Innovative/Alternative technologies in the septic system
  • Increased groundwater recharge through infiltration of all impervious areas, as well as utilizing pervious materials wherever possible (ie, gravel driveway)
Importance
The construction of flood compliant structures, especially within Velocity Zones, is critical to minimize damage to both structures and landforms during flood events. With rising sea levels and increased frequency of large storm events, it is more important than ever to develop coastal properties with compliant structures. Additionally, coastal properties are susceptible to environmental impact through development, and it is critical that necessary steps be taken to abate impacts wherever possible through wastewater treatment, groundwater recharge and the promotion of natural buffers to resource areas.