May 11 2007
When Ted and Leanne Modica lost their Lake Pontchartrain home in Slidell, La. to Hurricane Katrina, they were determined to find an alternative that would allow them to return home and rebuild.
Ted recalls the day they evacuated, one he and his wife will never forget. "I had a feeling we would lose our house. Two days later, we returned to a concrete slab," he said.
A quick Internet search for "hurricane-proof homes" led to Deltec Homes based in Asheville, N.C., specializing in hurricane-resistant circular homes. Deltec's claim to have never lost a home to high winds was intriguing.
According to nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and home building expert Jim Dulley, circular homes can be a good choice for construction in high wind areas.
"Although these houses look round, most are made of many flat wall panels that give the circular appearance. With its aerodynamic structure, a circular home can withstand high winds better than a more conventional design," said Dulley.
The next step for the Modicas was a tour of sites along the Gulf Coast where many Deltec homes had survived Katrina. "In Pass Christian, Miss. we saw a 'round' house still standing with only a few shingles missing. In the midst of all the destruction, we knew for sure that this was the way to go," said Ted.
"We have seen a significant increase in interest from the Gulf region since Hurricane Katrina," says Joseph Schlenk, Director of Sales and Marketing for Deltec Homes.
"People are looking for alternative types of construction that can perform well in these environmentally challenging areas. Traditional construction is not always the best choice for hurricane prone areas," said Schlenk.
Last November, Ted and Leanne celebrated their first Thanksgiving in their new home. "We love this house. We wake up every morning grateful to be back home," said Leanne.
Though hurricane resistance was the top priority, Ted and Leanne appreciate all aspects of their circular home's functionality combined with aesthetic appeal.
"Our home is both practical and beautiful. We love the glass, the decks, the view of the lake, the fireplace - and it's incredibly energy efficient," said Leanne.
The first of its kind in the area, the Modicas' home has drawn lots of attention. "We're the talk of the town," says Ted. "People often stop to take pictures of the house."
Though many of their neighbors have moved away, Ted and Leanne are optimistic about the future of their community and hope to inspire others to rebuild. When asked about the upcoming hurricane season, Ted and Leanne say they're not worried. "We feel very safe. This is home. We're here to stay," said Ted.