Belize Homes: Stilts And Sea Breeze

Belize is a country that sits just above sea level and is often hit by tropical storms and hurricanes. To protect homes from flooding, many houses in Belize are built on stilts. This form of construction is centuries old and is also used in other coastal areas and regions with high rainfall and flooding. In addition to protecting against floods, stilt houses in Belize help to keep the home cool by allowing wind circulation, and they also deter bugs and other pests. The space underneath the house can be used for storage or parking a car.

To prevent flooding

Houses in Belize are often built on stilts to prevent flooding. The country sits just above sea level and is frequently hit by tropical storms and hurricanes. By raising the home off the ground, stilts protect the house from flooding and the damage caused by the forces of the sea, rivers, and lakes. This form of construction has been used for centuries, dating back to 5000-5000 BC in the Alps and surrounding areas, where homes were built for elevation above wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

The height of the stilts is determined by the local building departments, who set the level required for each location based on flood maps. Stilts are typically driven into the ground at a depth of two feet or more, depending on the home's size and the surrounding environment. In Belize, stilts are usually made of concrete but can also be made of wood. The space underneath the house provides shaded space that can be used for work, storage, or parking equipment.

In addition to flood protection, building homes on stilts in Belize offers other benefits. The elevation increases wind circulation, helping to keep the home cooler. The stilts also help to keep out bugs and pests, with the house posts capped with larger-diameter discs to prevent vermin and pests from climbing into the house. Building on stilts can also provide stability on unstable land and open up views, especially in coastal areas.

To keep out bugs and pests

Belize is a tropical country, so it's no surprise that bugs and pests are prevalent. The stilts that Belizean houses are built upon help to keep bugs and creepy crawlies out of the home. The height of the stilts makes it harder for pests to enter the home, and the space underneath the house can be used for work or storage, keeping any vermin out of living spaces.

To further prevent bugs and pests from entering, it is recommended to keep a clean house and yard. This means minimizing clutter, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and raking sand to expose and kill sand fly eggs. It is also important to trim trees and shrubs so that branches do not touch the house, as this can provide easy access for pests. In addition, standing water should be avoided, as it can breed mosquitoes.

Some products that can help with pest control include Terro Liquid Ant Baits and Citrus Power multi-purpose cleaner, which repels roaches, spiders, and scorpions with its scent. For more serious issues, such as termites, it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional pest control company.

To provide storage space underneath

One of the reasons why houses in Belize are built on stilts is to provide storage space underneath. The shady space under the house can be used for storing various items, such as a car, lawnmower, or garden equipment. This additional storage space is especially useful given the small size of many Belizean homes.

The practice of building houses on stilts is not unique to Belize and can be found in various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Oceania, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. In these regions, the stilts serve multiple purposes, including protection against flooding, improved ventilation, and pest control.

In Belize, the decision to build on stilts is influenced by the country's low-lying geography and frequent tropical storms and hurricanes. By raising the house off the ground, stilts help to prevent flood damage and keep the interior of the house cool by promoting air circulation. Additionally, the space underneath the house can be utilised for practical purposes, such as storage or parking.

The use of stilts in construction can also be observed in the design of overwater bungalows, which have become a popular form of tourist accommodation in tropical locations. These structures are often built on stilts directly over calm ocean waters, providing guests with a unique and luxurious experience.

Overall, the decision to build houses on stilts in Belize is influenced by a combination of practical considerations, such as flood protection and storage space, as well as the country's cultural and geographical context.

To increase wind circulation

Belize is a country that sits just above sea level and is frequently hit by hurricanes and tropical storms. Many homes in Belize are built on stilts, and there are several reasons for this. One of the most important reasons is to increase wind circulation and keep the homes cool.

Houses built on stilts allow for greater airflow underneath and around the structure, which helps to ventilate the home and regulate its temperature. This is especially important in Belize, where the weather can be incredibly hot. By increasing wind circulation, homes on stilts can take advantage of natural breezes to cool the living space, reducing the need for artificial cooling systems.

The stilts also raise the home above ground level, which can help to catch passing breezes. This elevation increases the surface area exposed to the wind, allowing more air to circulate around the home. As the wind passes through and under the house, it creates a cooling effect, much like a natural air conditioning system.

Additionally, the stilts create a shady space underneath the house. This shaded area can be used for work or storage, providing a cooler environment for these activities. The shade also helps to reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting the ground, which can further contribute to a cooler home.

Furthermore, the stilts can act as a barrier to strong winds, providing some protection to the home during hurricanes and tropical storms. The open space created by the stilts allows wind to move through and around the structure, reducing the build-up of pressure that can cause damage during high winds. This design helps to minimise the impact of strong winds on the home, potentially reducing the severity of storm damage.

In summary, building houses on stilts in Belize is a practical solution to increase wind circulation and improve ventilation, leading to cooler indoor temperatures. This design also offers some protection against high winds and flooding, making it a common and effective choice for the region.

To protect against dangerous animals

Belize is a small Central American country with a rich concentration of wildlife. The country is known for its spectacular coral reef system, mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle ecosystems.

The design of houses in Belize often includes stilts, which are commonly believed to protect against dangerous animals. The stilts raise the house above the ground, creating a physical barrier that makes it difficult for animals to access the living space. This feature is especially relevant in a country like Belize, where various hazardous creatures pose potential threats.

The country is home to a diverse range of dangerous animals, including:

• Vipers, such as the eyelash viper and fer de lance
• Coral snakes, like the Mayan coral snake
• Crocodiles
• Spiders, including the black widow and brown recluse spider
• Poison dart frogs
• Sharks, such as hammerhead sharks
• Bats, including the common vampire bat
• Bullet ants
• Lionfish

By building their houses on stilts, residents of Belize create a physical barrier that can help protect them from these dangerous animals. The stilts elevate the living space, making it more challenging for animals to access the home. This simple yet effective design feature allows people to live in areas with diverse ecosystems while maintaining a level of safety from potential threats posed by wildlife.

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