Homes That Are Build To Last!

Storm-Proof Homes Survive Dual Hurricane Challenges

A Gulf Coast community featuring homes designed to endure Category 5 hurricanes has successfully passed the ultimate resilience test, offering a model for future developments across the state.

A Vision for Resilient Living

William Fulford, a retired custom homebuilder, relocated to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2023 from Virginia Beach, Virginia. His new home in the Hunters Point development near Bradenton Beach fulfilled his dream of waterfront living. Positioned between Sarasota Bay and the southwestern edge of Tampa Bay, the community features homes marketed as the first “net-zero” single-family homes in the United States. This means the homes generate more energy than they consume, thanks to solar panels, and the surplus energy is either stored or sold back to the grid.

These homes prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and hurricane resilience. Streets are designed to flood without affecting the elevated living spaces, and power and internet lines are buried to reduce storm-related damage. Concrete walls, hurricane-resistant windows, and foam-insulated doors add an extra layer of protection, ensuring safety even during violent storms.

Putting Resiliency to the Test

The Hunters Point community has faced a few storms since residents began moving in early 2023, but the recent hurricanes—Helene and Milton—provided a true trial for these design features. Despite mandatory evacuation orders, Fulford and his wife, Sueann, decided to stay behind for both storms. They took necessary precautions, such as moving their car to higher ground, securing outdoor furniture, and preparing life preservers.

“I trust the strength of this house,” said Fulford, confident in the elevated design and durable construction.

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, just south of Hunters Point, devastating many surrounding areas. While much of the region experienced widespread power outages and significant damage, the homes at Hunters Point remained lit and largely unaffected. Solar panels and battery storage ensured uninterrupted power, and the structures weathered both wind and flood conditions with minimal damage.

A Blueprint for the Future

The Hunters Point homes were intentionally designed to handle extreme weather. Living areas begin 16 feet above sea level, with garages on the ground floor featuring flood vents for water drainage. The homes’ structures are secured with steel straps from the foundation to the roof, and solar panels are installed with raised seams to prevent them from dislodging during storms.

While these features come at a premium—homes in the community range from $1.4 million to $1.9 million compared to $600,000 for other new homes in the area—residents like Fulford believe the investment is worthwhile. The project is still under construction, with 31 of the planned 86 homes completed.

Marshall Gobuty, founder and president of Pearl Homes, emphasized the importance of building resilience. “Solar, batteries, and the way we construct homes will define the future because they’ve proven to perform,” he said. “The world is changing, and this is the evidence people need.”

As climate change continues to intensify storms, Hunters Point serves as a powerful example of how homes can be designed to protect both residents and the environment.