Chinese designers Zhou Ying and Niu Yuntao have created a life-saving floating house built to withstand natural disasters that include rough waters from flooding and tsunamis. The house inflates in seconds with its built-in, high-pressure carbon dioxide gas chamber, ideal for when disasters strike unexpectedly.

The designers explain the concept:

The Duckweed Survival House is a floating emergency shelter designed to elevate survival rates and assist with rescues in disaster situations such as tsunamis and floods. An alternative to exposed life rafts, the enclosed design providers shelter from the elements and even large waves that have potential to overthrow or exhaust survivors. The weight underneath ensures the unit won't tip over and is stabilizing in rough waters.

Credit: Yanko Design

The housing is designed to remain upright by counteracting the weight of enclosed people with the unit underneath. It can also convert seawater into fresh drinking water with a reverse osmosis strip so that passengers can remain hydrated for however long they remain enclosed. Additionally, an air filter at the top allows fresh air to still travel into the housing.