Charleston Historic Home Protected with Passive FloodGate Technology

Client

Private Residence

Location

South Battery, Charleston, South Carolina

Installation Date

2025

Product

Vehicle Gate

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South Battery is home to some of the most iconic and historic residences in the U.S., but also some of the most flood prone. As rising sea levels and recurring storm events threaten these heritage properties, owners are seeking discreet, effective flood solutions that don’t compromise architectural integrity. FloodBreak partnered with Floodproofing.com to install a 9’6” x 3’10” FloodBreak® Passive Automatic Floodgate for a private residence at 48 South Battery. This installation marks the first flood barrier of its kind in Charleston’s historic downtown district, offering reliable, automatic protection that operates without people or power.

Background

Charleston’s charm lies in its history, centuries-old homes, preserved streetscapes, and a unique coastal identity. But that same proximity to the water leaves the city vulnerable. Increasing tidal flooding, sea-level rise, and drainage challenges have created an urgent need for resilient infrastructure that preserves historic aesthetics while safeguarding property.

Traditional active flood barriers require manual deployment and visible alterations that conflict with the historic character. The customer needed a fully passive, architecturally sensitive solution that would meet aesthetic requirements and provide dependable protection during storm surges or tidal flooding.

Solution

FloodBreak’s Passive Automatic Floodgate was engineered specifically to meet these challenges.

  • Passive Operation: Activates automatically with rising water, No People, No Power.
  • Architectural Fit: Custom-designed to integrate seamlessly with the home’s existing façade, maintaining the property’s historic appearance.
  • Engineered Strength: Built to withstand severe flood events.

 

From design review through engineering approval, fabrication, and installation, FloodBreak worked closely with Floodproofing.com and the project architect to ensure the system fit precisely within the site’s historic and structural parameters.

Results

The completed installation delivers 24/7 flood protection while preserving the home’s visual character and historical value.

Key Outcomes:

  • Automatic Flood Protection: Always ready, no action required by the homeowner.
  • Preserved Historic Aesthetics: Protection that blends seamlessly into the architecture.
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Built to handle severe coastal flooding and reduce long-term property risk.

See all of our work in action.