Houseboat news around the world
High end houseboat design - Boathome
Meet the electric, fantastic, nomadic Boathome The power of architecture is shown when it lifts up the viewers' perspective. When it challenges to adopt a new trend, or even a life style. At this point most houseboats are either a converted ship, or a typical floating home. We barely witness a houseboat moving steadily along the river. ‘Boathome’ is one of the rare cases making it work. Thanks to this brave concept, Boathome has been awarded to be Electric Boat of the Year 2017 by Association Française du Bateau Electrique. By Linh Vo | Images by Boathome The ‘Godfather’ of this idea is Guy Zins. As an engineer he designed this eco-friendly houseboat from scratch. After the conceptual design was put on paper, his daughter Sarah Zins brought this drawing into reality. Sarah is a graduate of a well–established ISEG Business School and commercial director of ‘Boathome’. A high-end floating villa that takes you to your next destination - that is the concept of the Boathouse. 100%
Innovative floating design to save San Francisco Bay Area?
Can houseboat villages save San Francisco Bay? Approximately 20 and 165 square miles of San Francisco Bay Area are at risk due to the threat of a rising sea level and sinking ground levels. The communities living here raise their concerns about this matter. The story is not new but it is still a controversial topic. Thus the big question is: how to save the Bay? The answer might be found in innovative floating villages. By Linh Vo | images by BIG/ONE/Sherwood Design Engineers Those who live on a houseboat, or rent one for an unforgettable holiday, know about the advantages of living on the water. But you might not have realized that these floating structures could be the solution for the great challenges that coastal areas like the SF Bay face. In late 2017, a group of architects and urban designers proposed a unique plan to potentially save the area. The project includes houseboat villages, a hanging park, wave blockades, alternative lanes for buses and roads will be re-organ
Small islands, big impact
Floating islands give facelift to Copenhagen's harbor When examining this humble yet uplifting concept, one can discern the quintessential traits of Danish architecture: the Copenhagen Island draws inspiration from light, water, expansive spaces, and sustainability. It serves as a communal area for kayakers and swimmers seeking respite, where they can fish, sunbathe, and unwind.By Linh Vo | Images by Airflix.de Every island is quite simple in itself, but the impact on how people experience the harbor can be surprisingly big. Architects Marshall Blecher and Magnus Maarbjerg, both affiliated with Danish Design Studio Forkstrot, will oversee the installation of the wooden islands, also referred to as floating islands, in the Copenhagen harbor. These handmade islands are constructed in the southern part of the harbor, with the intention of introducing a sense of amusement to the waterway.VersatileCopenhagen Islands is a public space project that incorporates a small tree at the center of i
New houseboat trend
After 'tiny houses' it's time for Tiny Floats After the worldwide ‘tiny houses’ trend, there is a new kid on the block. A floating kid born in The Netherlands - not surprisingly since this country has a rich history of living with water. The concept is simple: a floating vacation home, just as luxury as a regular land based house, with an inboard parking space for your boat. Tucking all this in less then 45 square metre was less simple. “But we love challenges, and we succeeded in our goal”, says builder and co-designer Dieuwe Wierema at Waterstudio. Dieuwe is co-founder of the Tiny Floats project and is proud that this dream has come true. “Actually we have just delivered the first Tiny Float to her new owner. That is quite a milestone. Because thinking of a concept and designing - a big thanks to designer Koen Olthuis - it is one thing, but realizing is quite a different ball game.” The first Tiny Float has just been delivered to her new owner. "Quite a milestone since creatin
Houseboat journey from Hamburg to Paris
Incredible houseboat journey with time-lapse video Traveling is the most irresistible way to reinvigorate your mind with new ideas. Some choose to stay in a hostel due to budget, some luxuriate in the hotel with swimming pool and others choose to stay at a houseboat. However, German photographer Claudius Schulze lifts up his life to a new level by actually building his own houseboat and sailing his ‘soulmate’ from Hamburg to Paris, and stop by in Amsterdam along the way. And the coolest thing about this is that he made an awesome time-lapse video of his trip from Hamburg to Hannover. By Linh VoThe houseboat during her amazing journey through Europe.Claudius laid the first stone on his career path as a professional photographer. But he soon attached another hobby to his walk of life. He was ruminating about a mean of transportation that can enable him to take more astounding photos and travel Europe at the same time. Inspired by the love of nature, he constructed his houseboat by eco-
The sky is the limit with the HydroHome
Unique transportable houseboat hydroplane parking Let's face it: the main reason why you don’t have hydroplane yet is that you would have troubles parking the thing, right? The good news is that a solution is found by yacht- and houseboat architect Max Zhivov: a houseboat that serves as a hydroplane parking. And when you want to move to another lake, just take it out of the water and tow it to wherever your next destination is with the two complementary trucks. By: Juul Steyn - Images: Max ZhivovLike many brilliant ideas, this concept emerged from a problem. “In this case I found out there is a lack of mobile parking facilities for hydroplanes, when reading several pilot forums”, says Zhivov in an interview with Bookahouseboat. “My solution was to design a houseboat, a wharf for boats, a garage and a water parking for a hydroplane. A project that now has seen the light, with the great help of my friend and airplane designer Alexander Shapin.” Ambitious but not impossibleSounds amb
BUSTED: 7 Winter myths about houseboats
Cold feet about renting a houseboat in winter? Staying at a houseboat is getting more popular every year. But for some people renting a floating holiday home during the cold winter months is sometimes a step too far. Cold feet, so to speak. People often say the climate aboard is a reason not to book a houseboat. Its lack of amenities supposedly is another reason. Let’s have a look at the main concerns – and debunk them one by one. We will be focusing particularly on moored houseboats rentals such as the ones located on rivers and canals of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, London and of course Paris. Driving houseboats will be featured separately. In Amsterdam even the oldest houseboat, some over a hundred years of age, are very well insulated. (Photo: Maarten Brante) Myth #1: Houseboats are cold during the winter It’s a reasonable assumption: houseboats lay in the water and in extreme circumstances even in the ice, so they must be cold during winter. This was true during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
Shared canal cruise Amsterdam
From the 30th of November until the 21st of January 2018 the canals of Amsterdam will be illuminated by the 6th edition of the Amsterdam Light Festival. Hop on a fully electric, luxurious boat with pop-up roof, heated seats, blankets and pillows, and enjoy this winter festival in style! Along the route, you will admire 35 light sculptures from international artists such as Ai WeiWei. With a small group of max. 8 guests you will be welcomed aboard with a free glass of mulled wine, and will cruise your way through the canals with a knowledgeable captain during your trip. The cruise can be booked as an all-inclusive 2 hour shared trip including drinks and snacks. Enjoy the stunning views while enjoying a snack platter, local craft beers, organic wines and soft drinks, for only €50,- per person. Or gather your friends and book a cosy private cruise, from €250,- per 90 minutes, with a possibility to include snacks and drinks. Book light festival cruise now!
Don’t miss the houseboat this winter!
5 Things to do when renting a houseboat in Amsterdam this winter You might think that Amsterdam winters are long and cold, but you're wrong. These months are sparkling with light and energy - making it one of the most interesting destinations. Here is a list with cool things to do in Amsterdam during January, February and March. Images by Maarten Brante1) Amsterdam Lightfestival (till January 21st)If you book a houseboat during the Amsterdam Light Festival, you are assured to have a unique and unforgettable experience. (Photo: Maarten Brante)Staying at a houseboat between November 30th and January 21st is a truly unique experience thanks to the Amsterdam Light Festival. Numerous art works on the canals, some right in front of our houseboats, enlighten the city. For 7 weeks on an end, these pieces of art are ‘set on fire’ between 17.00 and 23.00 Without a doubt one of the most unique ways to experience Amsterdam during the winter period. Visit website of the Amsterdam Light FestivalAvai
Self elevating electrical floating houseboat villa
ARKUP's houseboat beats nature in style Climate change and scarcity of space in urban areas inspired ARKUP, an ‘avant garde live on the water company’ to rethink the concept of houseboats. The result is the livable yacht: a high-end floating, self elevating and electrical powered villa that can withstand floods, tidal water level changes and even category 4 storms. By: Bookahouseboat.comArtist impressions: ARKUP The self-elevating lift system makes the houseboat invulnerable for wind, waves and rapid changing tides and floods. The two masterminds behind this new concept are the Frenchman Nicolas Derouin and Dutch water architect Koen Olthuis of Waterstudio.nl. Although the latter operates from Amsterdam, the houseboat capital of the world, the ‘livable yacht’ is specifically designed for Florida, USA. This area is popular amongst houseboat fans, but also faces frequent storms. An unique automated hydraulic jack-up system enables you to anchor and lift up the houseboat, making it invu
Rooftop revolution on Amsterdam houseboats
Green rooftop revolution on Amsterdam houseboats Every revolution has a starting point, and in Amsterdam it was marked by three houseboats on the canal Da Costakade that were covered with a green roof in a day. The final goal of a small non-profit-organization called ‘Grachten van Smaragd’ (Emerald Canals) is to cover all rooftops of the 2500 floating homes with a organic green roof. “Yes, it is very ambitious, but we still have 8 years to go before before we want to have reached this goal”, says Toon van de Put, Initiator of Grachten van Smaragd. “We think it is a unique and valuable gift to the city of Amsterdam in 2025 when she is celebrating her 750th birthday. A precious piece of jewelry that will make the city shine!” One of the three houseboats that got a green roof on the same day, celebrated with live music. (photo: Juul Steyn/Bookahouseboat.com)The start of the project was on September 12th. The owners of three houseboats in the Amsterdam West district have worked hard to
Book your high-end private boat tour in Amsterdam
Did you know that there are more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of canals to explore in the stunning city center of Amsterdam? What better way to discover ‘the Venice of the North’ with your family and friends than on your own private luxury canal cruise! Together with Bookahouseboat.com, Pure Boats offers you a personalized exclusive boat trip through the 17th century canals. Our knowledgeable and fun captain would love to welcome you aboard our deluxe 100% electric 'sloep'. Book your private cruise now! Where possible, we will pick you up from your own houseboat. All you have to do is sit back, relax and discover beautiful Amsterdam from the water. The spacious 'sloep' comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests (there are more boats available). The self service bar is fully stocked with (local) beverages, such as soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits. Upon request biological snacks and catering can be provided. We’d love to customize your trip, so any requests for drinks, food, decorat