Four homes in Ezhikkara panchayat, Ernakulam district, severely damaged by tidal floods, are getting a special makeover. They will be strengthened using textile-reinforced concrete (TRC), a salt- and alkali-resistant material developed by the CSIR–Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC). This effort aims to create climate-resilient housing along the coast. One home's maintenance is funded by a Ministry of Textiles research project. The other three are supported by Equinoct, a Kochi-based community modeler, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The Ezhikkara panchayat requested the initiative and also chose the homes to be helped. C.G. Madhusoodhanan, CEO of Equinoct, said, “The necessary testing will be completed within a fortnight, the execution of the pilot project will begin in a month, and it will be wrapped up by March. The current practice of covering cracks with tiles by coastal residents could prove counterproductive.” A CSIR-SERC team visited the sites for structural checks and technical studies. TRC costs ₹750 per square metre, much less than steel-reinforced concrete. Unlike steel, its textile reinforcements resist corrosion in saltwater, improving strength and lifespan in harsh coastal conditions. This material can protect houses against damage from tidal flooding, saline water, and coastal inundation. Usual building materials deteriorate quickly when soaked in salt water, leading to unsafe homes. TRC offers strong resistance to salt and alkali, fewer cracks, lighter structures, lower maintenance, and faster, modular building. The reinforced houses will be watched for six months through the peak tidal season to see how well TRC performs. Madhusoodhanan added, “Once TRC is included in the scheduled list of rates of the Public Works department and the Local Self-Government department, the panchayat can fund reinforcement of houses using the material.” The CSIR-SERC team included Smitha Gopinath, Hemalatha, and Ramesh, experts in protective structures, materials, and concrete testing. This is a promising step toward safer coastal homes in India.