No one seems to have mentioned the obvious idea of constructing
buildings on "stilts".

A quick Google search brought these examples:

http://digitalgladrags.com/photofocu...boat-house.jpg

http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/M...s/malaysun.jpg

http://www.forgotten-ny.com/YOU'D%20NEVER%20BELIEVE/Broad%20Channel/ROCKWYHS.JPG

http://www.ndmindia.nic.in/EQProject...wnersguide.pdf

Notice that most of these pictures are from the so called "third
world". Why is it rocket science in Britain?

Jack