Dutch architectural studio i29 has designed an eco-friendly floating home along a revitalized canal in the industrial suburb of Buiksloterham in North Amsterdam. This home is one of 46 sustainably designed buildings created by the Amsterdam-based design studio Space&Matter, which aims to showcase the benefits of sustainable village living. Each residence is connected via a smart jetty, sharing access to a single grid connection.
“The location has a strong industrial past, but today it is one of the most rapidly changing areas of Amsterdam, transforming into a multifunctional living space,” say the architects from i29. “The new floating neighborhood is intended to be an urban ecosystem embedded within the fabric of the city, making full use of ambient energy and water for use and reuse, cycling nutrients, minimizing waste, and creating space for natural biodiversity.
The floating home features a striking black-stained timber exterior that stands out against the surrounding houses. Its angular roof design, both diagonal and pitched, allows all three stories of the house to be flooded with natural light, maximizing the use of interior spaces.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the lounge, dining, and kitchen areas overlook a dark timber terrace. This use of dark timber creates a unique aesthetic, contrasting beautifully with the white walls of the interior, which helps to open up the space. Cathedral-high ceilings further elongate the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the family.
“All areas are in open connection to the atrium, which spans three floors,” explains the studio. “The layout is enhanced with a split-level connection to a loggia terrace just above water level. The interior and facade interact with the views outside, allowing them to appear and disappear as one moves through the home.”
The ground level of the floating home features two single bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry area, and an open lounge room that can also function as a workspace. Each level is connected by a stylish zig-zag staircase, crafted in a cool timber tone. A large glass atrium at the corner of the house allows even more natural light to flood the interior.
The second floor houses the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, while the third level features an open floor plan that includes a light-timber kitchen, dining area, and an outdoor terrace.
“The site is energy self-sufficient, employs circular building practices, and serves as a showcase for sustainable living,” states the studio. “A smart jetty connects the 46 floating households with each other and the quay. On the top surface, the jetty acts as a social connector where residents can meet. Below the surface, it serves as a functional and sustainable conduit with all the energy, waste, and water lines interconnected.”
i29’s floating house seamlessly blends minimal architecture with sustainable design, illustrating the future of eco-conscious villages. The revitalization of abandoned areas offers a smart, sustainable, and community-centered solution for cities grappling with space shortages due to increasing population rates.
The floating home by i29 is not just a residence; it is a statement about the future of urban living. By integrating sustainable practices, innovative design, and a strong sense of community, this project sets a precedent for future developments in urban areas. It serves as an inspiration for cities worldwide to rethink their approach to housing and community living in the face of environmental challenges and urbanization.
