To protect the Kendall Library and Community Center from future floods, the City of Houston’s architect collaborated with FloodBreak to develop a comprehensive, aesthetically integrated flood barrier system that blends seamlessly with the building’s design. These passive automatic flood barriers are uniquely effective because they require no human intervention or power to deploy ensuring protection regardless of whether facility personnel can get to the library before a flood event. 

Key elements of the solution included: 

Perimeter Flood Protection: FloodBreak installed passive automatic flip-up flood barriers at critical openings in the library’s perimeter flood wall. Notably, the entrance features a 20′ x 5′-4″ flip-up barrier that is concealed beneath the sidewalk, ensuring full access to the library during dry conditions. This barrier only becomes visible when it automatically deploys in response to rising water levels. 

Creative Window Protection: The library’s meeting room window presented a challenge, as it needed to be protected without obstructing light or the view. A FloodBreak is an automatic flip-up gate lies hidden in the ground below the window. During a flood event, the gate will rise automatically to the design protection height and connect the perimeter floodwall on both sides.  

Innovative Book Drop Solution: One of the most unique challenges was protecting the drive-up book drop, which was embedded in the flood wall below the design flood elevation (DFE). FloodBreak adapted its versatile passive automatic horizontal vent system to create a custom flood protection solution. A smooth slide plate was integrated, allowing books to slide through the flood-protected opening into the library’s book cart while preserving the integrity of the flood wall.