Rather than treating flood-zone requirements as an obstacle that has to be hidden, the Huron 2 incorporates them into the fundamental architecture of the home.

The result is a three-story modern Florida home with approximately 2,846 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and flexible garage configurations for two to four vehicles. KH Build

In this walkthrough, KH Build Senior Project Manager Richard Adams takes us through the home and explains how its structural systems, floor plan, mechanical equipment and customizable design elements come together.

Building a Home Specifically for Florida Flood Zones

One of the first things to understand about the Huron 2 is that the home’s vertical design is intentional.

In flood-prone parts of Florida, the lowest portion of a house may need to perform very differently from the primary living areas above it.

Flood-zone construction can affect everything from elevation and foundation design to allowable enclosed spaces, electrical placement, flood openings and breakaway-wall requirements.

The exact solution depends on the flood zone, Base Flood Elevation, local freeboard requirements, site conditions and jurisdiction.

KH Build specializes in modern waterfront and flood-zone construction throughout Tampa Bay and incorporates these considerations during the design and pre-construction process rather than trying to solve them after the home has already been designed. KH Build

That distinction is important.

A successful coastal home should not simply look elevated. Its architecture, structural engineering and use of the lower level need to work together.

A Smaller Footprint Without Sacrificing Living Space

Land is one of the biggest constraints when building in established Florida coastal communities.

Many desirable properties are relatively narrow or compact.

Instead of spreading the house across most of the lot, the Huron 2 uses a vertical three-story configuration.

That approach creates approximately 2,846 square feet of interior living space while preserving a relatively efficient footprint. KH Build

Going vertical can also create opportunities for better views, additional outdoor living areas and more separation between entertainment spaces and bedrooms.

The home does not have to feel small simply because the lot is limited.

That is one of the central ideas behind this design: use the available footprint intelligently and build upward.

A Lower Level Designed Around Flood-Zone Conditions

The lowest level of the Huron 2 serves several important functions.

It provides garage space, entry access and transitional areas while keeping the primary living spaces elevated above.

The construction strategy shown in the home includes reinforced concrete elements and systems specifically selected for the conditions associated with elevated Florida construction.

Electrical placement on the lower level is also an important consideration.

In the video, Richard points out the elevated position of switches and protected electrical components.

These are the kinds of details that have to be coordinated with the home’s specific flood-zone requirements.

Why Flood Vents Matter

Flood vents are another important component of many elevated homes in applicable flood zones.

The basic principle is relatively straightforward.

When floodwater rises around an enclosed space below the required flood elevation, pressure can develop between the outside and inside of the walls.

Properly designed flood openings allow water to enter and exit, helping equalize hydrostatic pressure.

That can reduce the loads being placed on the enclosure.

KH Build’s own flood-zone guidance notes that enclosed spaces below the Design Flood Elevation in applicable AE-zone situations may require flood vents, while higher-wave-risk VE conditions can require open foundations and breakaway walls instead. KH Build

The specific system is determined by the property and its applicable requirements.

There is no universal flood-zone foundation solution for every Florida lot.

Breakaway Walls and Coastal Construction

In higher-risk coastal conditions, certain lower-level walls may be designed to break away under significant flood or wave forces instead of transferring those forces into the primary structure.

This is especially relevant when discussing coastal high-hazard areas.

It illustrates an important concept in resilient coastal construction: sometimes the smartest design is not to make every component completely immovable.

Instead, engineers determine which parts of a structure need to resist loads and which components should be capable of releasing under extreme conditions to protect the primary elevated structure.

Understanding the flood designation of a property before designing the house is therefore critical.

The Garage Can Be Configured Around the Owner

The lower level of the Huron 2 is not simply a structural necessity.

It also creates useful space.

KH Build currently lists the Huron 2 with configurations ranging from a two-car to four-car garage. KH Build

For one homeowner, that may mean a conventional two-car garage with more covered outdoor living space.

For another, the priority may be maximizing vehicle storage.

The garage can also accommodate options such as EV charging.

That flexibility matters because custom building should respond to how the homeowner actually lives.

A boat owner, collector, EV household and family with two daily drivers may all approach garage design differently.

Exterior Architecture Is Not Limited to One Look

Flood-zone engineering determines many technical aspects of a house.

It does not have to determine the aesthetic.

The Huron concept allows the exterior architecture to change through the selection of facade materials, colors, cladding and other architectural details.

A homeowner might prefer a clean contemporary exterior with geometric forms.

Another may want natural stone accents.

Another may prefer a warmer coastal interpretation.

Roof design can also change the character of the home dramatically.

Depending on the project, the architecture may incorporate a flatter contemporary roof profile or a more conventional pitched roof, along with different approved roofing systems and finishes.

The objective is not to produce the same house repeatedly.

It is to begin with a proven building concept and adapt it around the site and homeowner.

Designed for Florida’s Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle

Outdoor living is not an afterthought in Florida.

Patios, balconies, decks and exterior circulation can become some of the most frequently used spaces in the home.

The Huron 2 can be configured with different patio and balcony arrangements depending on the lot and homeowner’s priorities.

An exterior staircase may provide direct access between elevated living areas and the backyard.

A garage configuration can also be adjusted to create a larger covered patio.

For waterfront properties, orientation becomes even more important.

Bedroom placement, windows, balconies and living areas can be positioned to take advantage of sunrises, sunsets or water views.

The same basic home can therefore work differently on different lots.

Energy Efficiency Through Zoned Climate Control

Air conditioning is a major part of everyday life in Florida.

Instead of treating the entire three-story house as one identical climate zone, the home shown in the tour uses separate HVAC zones.

That provides greater control over different areas of the house.

Bedrooms can be maintained at a different nighttime temperature from the main living floor.

Smart thermostat controls can also make scheduling and remote adjustment easier.

Richard also highlights the use of heat-pump technology, which can provide both cooling and heating through a reversible refrigeration cycle.

Even in Florida, there are periods when heating is useful.

A heat pump allows the same basic system to handle both requirements.

Impact-Resistant Windows for Florida Conditions

Windows are an especially important part of modern Florida architecture.

Homeowners want natural light and expansive views, particularly on waterfront properties.

At the same time, glazing systems have to be selected with local wind and impact requirements in mind.

The Huron 2 walkthrough features high-efficiency, impact-resistant, double-pane windows with insulated glazing.

Large areas of glass bring daylight into the interior from multiple directions and reinforce the relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding Florida environment.

The goal is to balance performance with architecture.

A resilient home should not feel like a bunker.

An Open Main Living Floor

Moving upstairs, the character of the house changes considerably.

The primary living level is open, bright and designed around everyday interaction.

The kitchen connects directly to the family and entertainment spaces.

That means someone preparing dinner can remain connected to conversations, children or guests rather than being separated in a closed kitchen.

Large windows bring natural light through the floor throughout the day.

High ceilings add volume and make the relatively efficient footprint feel significantly larger.

Depending on the project, ceiling heights can also become part of the customization strategy.

A Kitchen Designed Around the Homeowner

The kitchen is one of the clearest examples of the difference between a customizable home and a predetermined production-house package.

The Huron 2 shown in the video features a large island, substantial storage, stone surfaces, integrated appliances, a large sink and a dedicated pantry.

But the specific colors and finishes are not the point.

The important part is that they can change.

Cabinet colors can change.

Hardware can change.

Countertop selections can change.

Backsplash design can change.

Appliances can change.

The island can be designed around the way the owner expects to use it.

That flexibility allows the same architectural model to feel completely different from one homeowner to another.

KH Build describes its approach as turn-key custom design, with interior and exterior design coordinated as part of the overall building process. KH Build

Flexible Rooms Instead of Wasted Space

Modern households change.

Someone may work from home today and need a guest bedroom tomorrow.

The Huron 2 addresses that reality with flexible spaces.

The room shown as an office in the walkthrough can also function as a bedroom configuration.

Because it has nearby bathroom access and storage potential, the space can adapt to the owner’s needs.

This is especially valuable for multigenerational households, homeowners who regularly host guests or professionals working remotely.

A well-designed custom house should adapt to the family rather than force the family to adapt to the floor plan.

The Primary Suite

The upper level contains the primary bedroom and additional family spaces.

The primary bedroom benefits from substantial natural light and a large walk-in closet.

Window configurations can be adjusted depending on privacy, views and the orientation of the property.

The primary bathroom continues the same approach.

The home shown includes a freestanding tub, walk-in shower, dual vanities, extensive cabinetry and a separate water closet.

But finishes, cabinetry, tile and fixtures can all be adjusted to the homeowner’s design direction.

A Three-Story Elevator

One of the most practical available options in a vertical three-story home is an elevator.

The Huron configuration can include elevator access connecting the garage and entry level with the main living areas and bedroom floor.

That adds everyday convenience when carrying groceries, luggage or heavier items.

It also makes a vertical home easier to use over the long term.

For homeowners planning a forever home, accessibility is worth considering during design instead of waiting until it becomes necessary.

Adding the infrastructure during construction is fundamentally different from trying to retrofit it years later.

Family Space and Secondary Bedrooms

The upper level also includes secondary bedrooms and a family area that can function as a den, media room or children’s play area.

Locating that space near the bedrooms creates separation from the more public entertaining areas downstairs.

As with other areas of the Huron, the exact bedroom arrangement can be modified.

The primary bedroom may be placed toward one side of the house or another depending on the lot, view and homeowner’s preference.

One secondary bedroom may be enlarged.

Other spaces may be rearranged.

The floor plan provides a starting point rather than a rigid final answer.

400-Amp Electrical Capacity

Modern homes are becoming increasingly electrical.

EV chargers, pool equipment, outdoor kitchens, appliances and other systems can create substantial electrical demand.

The home featured in the tour includes 400-amp service with capacity for additional equipment and future expansion.

Planning this infrastructure early can prevent expensive upgrades later.

A homeowner planning a pool, multiple EVs or other major electrical loads should discuss those requirements during design rather than after construction.

A Custom Home Should Begin With the Lot

Perhaps the most important lesson from the Huron 2 is that a flood-zone home cannot be selected in isolation from the property.

The lot determines critical variables:

  • Flood zone
  • Base Flood Elevation
  • Required freeboard
  • Design Flood Elevation
  • Setbacks
  • Lot width
  • Building footprint
  • Views
  • Vehicle access
  • Garage configuration
  • Outdoor living opportunities
  • Foundation strategy

That is why KH Build emphasizes pre-construction planning, including the relationship between lot selection, architecture, engineering, permitting and interior design. KH Build

The earlier those disciplines are coordinated, the fewer surprises tend to appear later.

Modern Florida Architecture Without Giving Up Resilience

There is sometimes an assumption that a home designed around flood requirements has to make major architectural compromises.

The Huron 2 demonstrates a different approach.

The technical requirements exist.

They have to be respected.

But once they are treated as part of the architecture from the beginning, there is still enormous room for customization.

Exterior materials can change.

Rooflines can change.

Garage capacity can change.

Room locations can change.

Windows can change.

Kitchen finishes can change.

Outdoor spaces can change.

Even the way the home responds to a particular view can change.

The engineering creates the framework.

The homeowner creates the home.

Building a Flood-Zone Home in Tampa Bay?

KH Build specializes in modern custom homes for waterfront and flood-zone properties across Tampa Bay, including St. Petersburg and surrounding coastal communities. KH Build

Whether you already own a lot or are still evaluating property, understanding the flood requirements early can shape nearly every major decision that follows.

Architecture, elevation, engineering, permitting, garage design, outdoor spaces and budget are all connected.

The objective is not simply to build higher.

It is to build intelligently for the location while creating a home that still feels completely personal.

If you’re considering a custom waterfront or flood-zone home in Florida, start with the property, understand the requirements and build the design around both the site and the way you want to live.

KH Build can help bring those pieces together—from early planning and design through engineering, permitting and construction.