​We have seen the damage floods cause. We know how to help.

The 2022 Brisbane floods were among the most damaging in the city’s history, affecting thousands of homes, businesses, and community facilities. In the aftermath, Hurley Architects partnered with the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to help the city recover and rebuild more resiliently.

Over two years, our team assessed, documented, and delivered flood resilience initiatives for:
•    50+ community facilities across Brisbane
•    40+ residential properties

This gives us hands-on experience that very few architectural practices in Queensland can match — not just in understanding flood risk, but in designing practical, cost-effective solutions that protect buildings and the people inside them.

What Flood-Resilient Design Looks Like

Flood resilience requires careful analysis of your site, your building’s construction, and your flood exposure — followed by targeted design interventions that reduce risk without sacrificing liveability or aesthetics. Depending on your situation, this might include:
•    Raising floor levels or relocating habitable space above the Defined Flood Event (DFE)
•    Specifying flood-resistant materials for lower levels (concrete, compressed fibre cement, marine-grade hardware)
•    Redesigning ground-level layouts to reduce the impact of inundation
•    Improving drainage and water management around the building
•    Documenting improvements to support insurance claims or council requirements

Who We Work With

We work with homeowners, body corporates, community organisations, and local councils. If your property has been affected by flooding — or if you’re building on a flood-affected site and want to do it properly — we can help.
 

Get a Flood Resilience Assessment

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The first step is a site assessment where we review your property, understand your flood history, and identify the most practical options for your situation.