The Sand Palace

Hurricane Michael, which struck Mexico Beach, Florida, in October 2018, caused widespread devastation. However, one house, the Sand Palace, survived virtually unscathed due to its resilient design. Built by Dr. Lebron Lackey and his uncle, Russell King, the home was constructed with hurricane-resistant features, including deep concrete pilings, insulated concrete form (ICF) walls, and a wind-resistant roof. The house was designed to withstand winds of up to 250 mph, far exceeding local building codes. This paper explores the engineering principles behind the Sand Palace’s survival, highlighting its strategic design choices and the importance of resilient construction in coastal areas. As hurricanes become more frequent and intense due to climate change, the Sand Palace stands as a model for future coastal homes, demonstrating how thoughtful, forward-thinking design can protect both lives and property.