- After years of development, the housing startup Arkup has debuted a floating home that can withstand rising sea levels and Category 4 hurricanes.
- The home contains a hydraulic system that lifts it above water and anchors it during heavy winds.
- Arkup envisions a future where entire communities in Miami and other major cities are designed to float.
When the housing startup Arkup revealed its plan to build a floating, hurricane-proof yacht in 2017, South Florida had just witnessed the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm that destroyed hundreds of residences.
The company's models were designed to weather a storm of that magnitude, but it would be another two years before they became a reality.
In February, Arkup debuted its first-ever floating residence at a yacht show in Miami. Climatologists have pointed to the city as one most vulnerable areas to climate change.
The price tag for a fully-furnished residence is steep - just under $6 million - but Arkup has plans to deliver smaller, more affordable units down the line. The company is currently accepting offers on its first model, as well as future models that have yet to be built.
For now, the yacht's solar-powered roofs and hydraulic anchoring system come at a high cost. Its sleek designs also cater to luxury clients who often prefer to live on or near the water.
Take a look inside Arkup's first floating home.