Facing the Flood: Amphibious Architecture for Flood Resilience in Peguis, Manitoba

Abstract

Floods are Canada's most common and costly natural hazard and flood risks are increasing due to climate change. When floods affect housing, they not only inflict economic and property damage but also displace residents from their homes and affect people’s sense of safety and community. Conventionally, settlements built in flood-prone regions are protected by flood control infrastructure, like levees, dikes, dams, and diversion channels. This infrastructure cannot easily or quickly respond to changing flood conditions and sometimes transfers flood risk rather than mitigating it equitably. We see this in Manitoba’s Interlake Region, where First Nations communities bear a disproportionate burden from water diversion to protect large urban centers. Where conventional solutions have failed and new tools are urgently needed, amphibious construction can provide an option for mitigation. Amphibious structures sit on dry land when water levels are normal, like an ordinary building. However, there is a buoyancy system, allowing the structure to float on the water in a flood. Vertical guidance, often posts, holds the building in place laterally while floating. When flood waters recede the building returns to its original position undamaged. Inspired by community members who wish to stay on their land despite flood risks, this thesis proposes amphibious architecture for a site in the First Nations Community of Peguis, Manitoba. Relocated to flood-prone land after a fraudulent land transfer in 1907, the community experiences chronic flooding. They faced several floods in the last two decades and had their worst flood on record in 2022, emphasizing the urgency of providing solutions for residents. This thesis examines this history and a specific site in Peguis, identifying key considerations for implementing amphibious architecture there. Then, it assesses existing amphibious architecture precedents, looking at how these projects address common challenges. Drawing insights from this analysis, this thesis proposes a prototype design for the site in Peguis.