Get ready to be inspired by the innovative Float House, a game-changer in the world of aquatic living!
A Step Towards Accessible Water Life
TiggColl, a London-based studio, has reimagined the traditional houseboat, crafting a vibrant and spacious family haven that's not just easy on the eyes but also incredibly practical. Say goodbye to the challenges of narrowboats and hello to a new era of accessibility, privacy, and low-maintenance living on the water.
The Float House Revolution
This floating masterpiece, a collaboration with structural experts Engenuiti and marine engineers Marmus, boasts a unique modular design. Comprising 10 steel hulls that interlock seamlessly, the Float House allows for effortless maintenance, as sections can be individually lifted from the water. But here's where it gets even more impressive: the living spaces are positioned above the water's surface, providing level access and a welcome respite for those with mobility concerns.
A Customized Aquatic Haven
Designed for Phil, Narinda, and their teenage children, this houseboat offers a unique solution to the family's growing needs. Having resided in a private houseboat community on the Grand Union Canal in Ruislip since 2018, the family cherished their aquatic lifestyle but faced challenges as their children grew. The cramped quarters, limited storage, and damp issues of their traditional canal barge became increasingly problematic, especially for Narinda, who was diagnosed with a health condition affecting her joints and mobility.
David Tigg, architect and co-founder of TiggColl, explained, "It was crucial that the new home was above the water, not within it, as the cold and damp could exacerbate Narinda's condition." Level access was also a priority, ensuring ease of entry without the need for climbing.
Rachel Coll, Tigg's partner and co-founder, added, "Our goal was to create an accessible family home that maximizes space while bringing nature, reflectivity, and sunlight to the forefront."
A Space-Efficient Marvel
The 20-meter-long Float House, designed to fit its mooring, and 4-meter-wide to allow passage for other boats, boasts an efficient layout. It offers open-plan living and dining areas, three bedrooms, and separate toilet and shower rooms. The cantilevered window bays provide extra space for kitchen worktops and beds, creating a sense of openness and comfort.
"These window bays are expressive and define the home's bankside elevation, with integrated ventilation and solar shading," Tigg noted.
The interior, with its exposed pine frames, engineered oak flooring, and black kitchen cabinets, exudes warmth and a natural texture, reflecting TiggColl's studio ethos of honest expression and human-centric design.
A Prototype for the Future
TiggColl's Float House project aims to showcase the untapped potential of floating homes in the UK, especially in locations where removing houseboats from the water for maintenance is impractical. Tigg added, "We see Float House as a prototype for living in challenging canal, river, or lake locations, where access is limited."
This innovative project not only offers a unique living solution but also sparks a conversation about the future of architecture and its ability to adapt to diverse environments.
What do you think? Could floating homes be the future of sustainable and accessible living? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
