15-Year-Old Wins $10,000 for Designing a Hurricane-Resistant Home
A North Carolina teenager, Ajith Varikuti, has created a home capable of withstanding category-four hurricane winds. At just 15 years old, he dedicated several years to self-learning, equipping himself with the skills to make a meaningful impact on his community and address climate change challenges.
The Journey to Innovation
Varikuti’s journey began in middle school when he started exploring TinkerCad, a free web-based 3D design tool. Over time, he expanded his knowledge, eventually mastering professional-grade design software. Realizing he could apply his skills to tackle real-world issues, he focused on improving housing durability in hurricane-prone areas.
His dedication led him to design a 3D-printed modular home specifically built to endure the powerful storms common in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This innovative design earned him first place and a $10,000 prize in Autodesk’s 2024 Make it Resilient student competition.
Addressing a Critical Issue
The Outer Banks region frequently faces coastal flooding and high-speed hurricane winds, yet many homes there lack the resilience to withstand such extreme weather conditions. With climate change intensifying these threats, Varikuti saw an opportunity to develop a practical solution.
By advancing his skills from TinkerCad to professional programs like Fusion and Revit, he crafted a design that integrates durability and sustainability, ensuring homes can better endure natural disasters. His project not only highlights the power of young innovators but also showcases how technology can help communities build a more resilient future.
