Is this house the answer to flood risk?

A house has been designed in order to combat the problems associated with living in a flood risk area.

The timber framed building rises with the water, as the pressure causes the dock to unlock, meaning that it cannot be flooded.

Currently there is just one in existence and it is not yet completed, but the house, which is on the banks of the river Thames could be the prototype for building in areas prone to flooding.

Despite costing 20 per cent more than a normal house to build, the initial outlay may be worthwhile as insuring properties in flood risk regions becomes more difficult and expensive.

There is concern that up to 20,000 people may find themselves in uninsurable homes as the State of Principles, which is an agreement between the government and insurers about providing provision, runs out next year.

Richard Coutts, Director of Baca, the company which designed the house, said: "We created an amphibious home which works like a marina. The residents can live safely without the risk of losing their possessions and adapt to the challenges of climate change. When the water subsides all they will have to do is tidy up the garden."