Maasbommel, Netherlands

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  10.27.06 | 9:03 AM ET

Coordinates: 51 49 N 5 32 E
Approximate elevation: 13 feet (4 meters)
imageA certain preoccupation with water can be expected in a country located at the mouth of three major rivers and where roughly half of the total land area is at or below sea level. And when climate scientists talk of the very real possibility of oceans rising as a result of global warming, a concerned populace tends to start looking to the future with a pragmatic eye. Having overcome its low-lying geography for centuries, the Netherlands is preparing for another spate of damp difficulties by innovating an already sophisticated system of water management. Southeast of Amsterdam, for example, a Dutch construction firm has built several dozen amphibious homes in Maasbommel on the banks of the Maas River. In the event of flooding, these lightweight structures could rise up to 18 feet above their mooring posts to avoid damage.

—.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.

Tags: Europe, Netherlands

Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


1 Comment for Maasbommel, Netherlands

Fabio Turci 02.06.07 | 6:23 PM ET

Dear Mr. Keene,

I´m Fabio Turci, brazilian journalist. I would like to know where I can find more information about these amphibious homes. Could you help me?
Are these houses being sold? Who´s the responsible for this project?

Thank you very much.

Your sincerelly,
Fabio

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