Building for Tomorrow: Why Resilient Construction Matters
WLLW explores how we can safeguard our homes against climate extremes.
WORDS Elissa Rose
Resilience in construction is widely recognized as a foundational consideration in how buildings are designed and built. It refers to the ability of buildings and infrastructure to withstand, adapt to and recover from challenges such as natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. This approach focuses on thoughtful material choices and sustainable construction practices to help create buildings that remain safe and functional over time, even under pressure.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is prompting architects to place greater emphasis on resilient design. The Resilient Design Institute (RDI) describes this approach as a considered response to both natural and human-driven disruptions, as well as climate-related challenges such as rising sea levels, heatwaves and droughts. In practice, it often involves passive design strategies and evolving energy solutions that help strengthen buildings, homes and even entire communities. But what does resilience truly look like when translated into the built environment?
Construction technology company ICON and architecture studio Lake Flato designed a 3D-printed home in Austin, Texas. ICON’s proprietary material, Lavacrete is designed to withstand extreme weather. Photography by Casey Dunn
In the context of the home, resilience is about supporting durability and safety during extreme weather events. Thoughtfully designed, resilient homes are better able to provide secure shelter while reducing the risk of damage and injury. At an infrastructure level, resilience helps extend the lifespan of roads, bridges, and utilities, allowing them to remain operational during and after disruptive events. This continuity supports essential services and can help ease long-term maintenance demands.
At a community level, resilient construction helps safeguard economic assets, support social stability, and promote environmental health through the use of more sustainable building methods. As climate patterns continue to shift, weather events are becoming less predictable. A study conducted following COP30 indicates significant increases in seasonal fire weather conditions across 68–91 percent of the world’s fire-prone area by the end of this century. Resilient construction plays a key role in responding to these challenges by reducing damage, supporting faster recovery and enabling long-term adaptation. As climate-related occurrences become more frequent, the importance of buildings and infrastructure that can endure and recover from environmental pressures is clear.
Casa Flores designed by Fuster + Architects on the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico has been built to endure tropical storms with hurricane shutters being incorporated into the design. Photo courtesy of Jaime Navarro
Before taking steps toward greater resilience, it can be helpful for homeowners to understand the specific climate-related risks associated with their location. Online climate risk tools now offer address-level insights, helping to highlight potential localized challenges. Climate scientist Harold Wanless has noted that parts of Miami may face significant inundation over the coming decades, a reminder of how forward-thinking preparation can play an important role in supporting long-term safety and adaptability.
"Research showing that the proportion of people worldwide living in flood-prone areas has grown by around 20 percent since 2000."
With a clearer understanding of local risks, it becomes possible to shape a resilience plan that reflects individual circumstances. While these plans will naturally vary depending on geography and exposure, the shared intention is to reduce potential impacts and improve preparedness over time. This might range from introducing drought-tolerant planting in water-scarce regions to choosing more efficient heating and cooling systems in areas prone to temperature extremes. The options for building resilience are broad and adaptable. With that in mind, what kinds of risks might we encounter, and how can we respond thoughtfully?
Mighty Buildings designed a 3D printed, net-zero home in Desert Hot Springs, California. This technology increases the home’s resilience to hurricane winds, flooding, fire, mold and extreme temperatures. Photography courtesy of Might Buildings by HANA Agency
Climate extremes
Projections suggest that drought conditions are likely to become more common across parts of the USA over the course of the 21st century, while rising baseline temperatures are also influencing the frequency and intensity of severe storms. In regions facing both challenges, thoughtful measures such as planting native, drought-tolerant vegetation and incorporating efficient greywater storage systems can help support soil moisture, manage stormwater runoff and strengthen overall resilience.
Flooding
As temperatures rise, the atmosphere is able to hold more moisture, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. This becomes especially relevant given research showing that the proportion of people worldwide living in flood-prone areas has grown by around 20 percent since 2000. Reducing flood risk often begins with careful attention to water management around a home’s foundations. Steps such as sealing foundations, addressing existing cracks and ensuring the surrounding ground slopes away from the building can help guide water away, limiting infiltration and reducing the risk of long-term structural damage.
Australian studio Nielsen Jenkins designed Mt Coot-Tha House in a suburb of Brisbane with high blockwork walls to protect it from bushfires. Photography courtesy of Tom Ross
Temperature
As the climate continues to change, higher temperatures are becoming more common, with parts of the USA warming at a faster rate than the global average. In regions that regularly experience temperature extremes, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can help maintain comfort while also supporting lower carbon emissions. Alongside this, thoughtful landscaping can create natural buffer zones around the home, helping to reduce exposure to heat and, in some areas, mitigate wildfire risk.
Hail
In recent years, hailstorms have been growing in both size and intensity, creating new considerations for homes as well as wider infrastructure, including solar power installations, particularly in parts of the Midwest. This shift has prompted closer attention from insurers, highlighting how closely connected our buildings, energy systems and communities really are, and why resilience is increasingly being viewed as a shared, long-term priority.
Landscape architects Shma Company chose more than 20 different plant species on the urban plot of Forest House in Bangkok including different variety of trees, vegetables and herbs. Photo courtesy of Prapan Napawongdee
As climate-related risks continue to evolve, taking considered steps toward greater resilience can make a meaningful difference. By understanding local conditions, shaping responses that reflect specific needs, and gradually putting supportive measures in place, individuals and communities can strengthen their ability to adapt over time. Ultimately, resilience is about more than individual homes, it’s about caring for the wider systems and environments that support how we live.
Shinminka House, on Japan’s island of Okinawa designed by ISSHO Architects. Designed to withstand devastating typhoon winds while still allowing for cross-ventilation. Photo courtesy of Koichi Torimura
 Shinminka House. Photo courtesy of Koichi Torimura |
 Shinminka House. Photo courtesy of Koichi Torimura |
Featured Image: Snøhetta designed an ultra-efficient HouseZero at Harvard University. Photo by Michael Grimm
Photography: Casey Dunn, Jaime Navarro, HANA Agency, Tom Ross, Prapan Napawongdee, Koichi Torimura
