Hurricane & Storm Resistant Homes Built to Last Since 1968
Topsider's decades-long track record of storm safety and survival is second to none. Each home is engineered to be safe and resilient against severe storms, flooding and seismic events prevalent in the Caribbean and coastal regions of the U.S., particularly Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Bahamas and Virgin Islands.
(See House Plan)
Topsider Homes Survived These Hurricanes:
A Florida Home That Withstood the Test of Time
This coastal Florida pedestal home has survived years of hurricanes, tropical storms and storm surge. With unrivaled strength, Topsider's prefabricated hurricane-resistant houses on pedestals or pilings provide safety and security without sacrificing luxury or livability.
“After my home was destroyed by a hurricane, I said I would never build another home at the beach front unless it was hurricane proof. A friend told me about Topsider Homes, and after doing the research I decided it was the perfect fit. My Topsider has been through numerous major storms and hurricanes and each time has come through in one piece.”
Joe K., Florida, Topsider Homeowner
Pedestal, Stilt & Piling Houses Naturally Resistant to High Winds and Storm Surge
Topsider's engineering, prefab panelized building technology and time-proven post & beam structural system create exceptionally strong homes resistant to tropical storms, hurricane-force winds and storm surge.
Because many Topsider pedestal, stilt and piling homes are elevated and multi-sided, winds can flow around, over and under them with less damaging resistance than with many conventional houses.
These vintage 1970s Topsider pedestal homes survived a direct hit from CAT 5 Hurricane Dorian on Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas with sustained winds of 185 mph and gusts up to 220 mph.
“While the destruction on the island [Green Turtle Cay] was devastating to most of the home owners [after Hurricane Dorian], the four [Topsider] houses came through basically unscathed… bottom line, after more than 55 years and countless hurricanes the [Topsiders] are still standing strong. This is a testament to the quality of the home you build. We will always be a believer in the Topsider design and quality.” - Paul and Karen H., Abaco, Bahamas
Coastal Living: Elevated Hurricane-Proof Home Designs
Topsider Homes are designed for beautiful coastal living with the strength to weather life's toughest storms. This Florida coastal home shows how an elevated Topsider design keeps your family, your investment, and your view protected — even in the harshest conditions.
Beach Front & Coastal Area Houses
Custom Designed and Engineered to Withstand Hurricanes and Meet Local Building Codes
Topsider's in-house design staff and consulting engineers have been designing and specifying beach front and coastal area homes for decades, and are knowledgeable of ever-changing building code requirements from Florida to Hawaii.
We are highly experienced working with local building officials and various agencies, including coastal commissions, FEMA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Coastal Zone Management authorities, and state and local agencies such as Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and North Carolina's Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) authorities.
Proper specifications are the key to building a beach front or coastal home that is potentially storm proof and hurricane proof. Topsider has decades of experience custom designing unique pedestal, piling and stilt houses resistant to severe weather conditions and the degenerative effects of tropical climates and salt-air coastal environments.
Built near Hilton Head, SC, this hurricane-resistant luxury beach front home features a multi-level telescoping roofline designed for extraordinary ocean views. It includes low-maintenance exterior finishes, high-impact design windows and doors, and is elevated 10 feet on pilings (stilts). View this home's house plan.
Engineering for Hurricane-Prone & Coastal Building Conditions
Extreme Wind Conditions
Storm Surge & Flooding
Post & Beam Structural System
Coastal Durability
Seismic ConditionsTopsider Homes' specialty is the custom design and engineering of single- and multi-story elevated coastal homes built on stilts, pilings, piers and pedestals for coastal and hurricane-prone locations. Our in-house design and technical staffs are experienced at working with coastal area regulatory agencies, including FEMA, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Coastal Zone Management Agencies (CAMA), and often Florida's Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Requirements vary by location, site conditions, flood zone, wind exposure, seismic conditions, elevation and local building codes.
Helpful Links for Storm Information:
