Abstract: A liftable building system includes a building structure. A foundation is configured for supporting the building structure. A substructure is disposable between the foundation and the building structure. At least one guide post is in communication with the building structure, the substructure and the foundation. The liftable building system includes a lifting system including a first end and a second end. The first end is in communication with the substructure and the second end is in communication with the foundation so that actuating the lifting system applies a force to axially displace in a substantially up and down direction the substructure with the building structure along or with the at least one guidepost relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A liftable building system includes a building structure. A foundation is configured for supporting the building structure. A substructure is disposable between the foundation and the building structure. At least one guide post is in communication with the building structure, the substructure and the foundation. The liftable building system includes a lifting system including a first end and a second end. The first end is in communication with the substructure and the second end is in communication with the foundation so that actuating the lifting system applies a force to axially displace in a substantially up and down direction the substructure with the building structure along or with the at least one guidepost relative to the foundation.

Abstract: An interlocking wall and roof system for the protection of a building structure is disclosed. The interlocking roof and wall system is equipped with a plurality of supports that form downward facing open channels that are either already attached to the overhang of the roof or are easily attachable to the overhang. The system also includes a plurality of protective walls that surround the building structure. The protective walls can be lifted from a resting position to a position where at least a portion of the walls fit into the downward facing open channels of the overhang. These walls are lifted by a hydraulic lifting system. The invention also provides a complete building structure already fitted with the supports, hydraulic lifting system and protective walls.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building (300) is disclosed including a watertight basement (540) having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls (615) of the watertight basement (540). Rollers (610) are attached to the watertight basement (540). As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers (610) roll along guide posts (310) located near corners of the watertight basement (540). Attached to the guide posts (310) are a ratchet system (620) for moving the watertight basement (540) along the guide posts (310) and maintaining it at a desired height. A preferred embodiment includes pressurized cylinders (1550) for lifting the building (300) prior to a surge of floodwater.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building (300) is disclosed including a watertight basement (540) having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls (615) of the watertight basement (540). Rollers (610) are attached to the watertight basement (540). As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers (610) roll along guide posts (310) located near corners of the watertight basement (540). Attached to the guide posts (310) are a ratchet system (620) for moving the watertight basement (540) along the guide posts (310) and maintaining it at a desired height. One preferred embodiment includes pressurized cylinders (1550) for lifting the building (300) prior to a surge of floodwater. In one embodiment, the floatation system includes pressurized cylinders (1740) for lifting a foundation (1725) and a building structure (1725) off of a concrete slab (1720) prior to a rising floodwater.

Abstract: A flotation system for a building is disclosed including a watertight basement having a unitary piece of concrete forming the floor and walls of the watertight basement. Rollers are attached to the watertight basement. As floodwater rises or recedes, the rollers roll along guide posts located near corners of the watertight basement. Attached to the guide posts are a ratchet system for moving the watertight basement along the guide posts and maintaining it at a desired height.