Design

Application 9

Stilt buildings

Figure 17: Sound engineering and construction of this stilt building on Dauphin Island, Alabama saved it from meeting the same fate as the one deposited in its front yard by Hurricane Katrina. FEMA photo.

Stilt buildings (figure 17) are one of the least expensive options when building in floodplains, over very poor soils or water, on very steep terrain, and in regions of high snow fall.

Stilt buildings fall into two categories: those with stilts that only support sill plates and floor headers, and those with stilts that connect to both roof and floor framing. The latter are essentially post-frame buildings with wood-framed floors. Exactly how a post-frame stilt building would be detailed depends largely on desired floor, wall and ceiling finishes as they control the spacing of structural frame components.