Modular Water Dwellings

The reality of climate change presents us with growing risks of flooding and an imperative to design with the smallest ecological footprint possible. At the same time, urbanisation keeps increasing in Europe and large parts of the world. The resulting high land values make it harder for people to own their own house and still feel connected to nature. Living on water offers an opportunity for flood-resilient and sustainable housing. However, it is generally very expensive to develop these dwellings and built examples often lack in quality and durability. We propose to approach the water dwelling design and production with an assembly line approach. The dwelling becomes a highly designed modular product assembled out of components in the factory, with all the benefits of economy of scale and quality control. By optimising off-site manufacturing, the product becomes affordable to the mass market, with an attention to detail not normally seen in this sector. The design will not be confined to paper as the team of architect and fabricator has agreed a process of 1:1 scale prototyping to test and refine the concept, with the aim to bring the modular water dwellings to the market as a high-quality product available to all. Design Standardised Components • The core and base box of all water dwellings are standardised to provide efficiency in manufacturing and a consistent environmental strategy. • The internal layout can be varied to each occupants’ bespoke requirements, [from office villa, to 2-bed apartment, 4-bed family house or 7 bed holiday home] Optimised Spatial Design • The box required for buoyancy provides a spacious lower level without the need for expensive excavation. • The orientation of the dwellings can adapt to site constraints in order to optimise views and sun light. Connection to Nature • The water level opens to its surroundings allowing wide views of the water and sliding façade openings. • A perimeter terrace around the dwelling makes full advantage of outdoor use and gives access to boats and water activities. Materials • The water dwellings are balanced through their central axis to make optimal use of materials and avoid unnecessary ballast. • Maximum use of durable and non-corroding materials such as concrete and glass will ensure a long design life. Fabrication and Transport Efficiency • By building the whole dwelling in the factory waste is minimised and can be recycled directly. Quality Control • Excellent standard of quality can be achieved as the off-site construction process is managed and quality is controlled throughout. The result is a higher quality product for an affordable price. Environmental Impact • Complete off-site production avoids the nuisance, noise pollution and damage to the local flora and fauna caused by traditional construction. Waterways • The Water dwelling can be transported from Concrete Valley directly to its final site over water. • Fewer restrictions on component width (11m) compared to road and rail transport mean that the whole dwelling can be transported without need for site assembly. • The manufacturing facility situated right on the main industrial waterway thoroughfare in the Netherlands. Construction will primarily use local supply chains thus cutting embodied energy. Site Adjusting to each site • As the sites may vary, Water dwellings can be orientated and spaced differently depending on the unique site context and varying local conditions. • The dwelling’s design anticipates for different sun orientations and can easily be adjusted to suit primary aspect views. • Initial infrastructure on the site is minimised thanks to low energy requirements of the house and allows to plug in the dwelling at any point of site development. Plugging In • As deployment of the pre-fabricated dwelling causes minimal disruption to neighbours, sites can be developed in phases and change to respond to future requirements. Adaptable • The water dwelling can be transported back to the manufacturing facilities at any point for technical checks, alterations and updates, for example at a change of occupant. • Any disassembled technical component can be efficiently recycled so the overall building ecological footprint is reduced. Some components – concrete pontoon, servicing core and envelope – are designed with durability in mind and will not require frequent maintenance. Use and Adaptability Community • Proximity to water and nature allows the community to work out and relax daily – improving the well-being of the residents and allowing for an active lifestyle based on water sports. • A strong sense of community can be fostered based on shared interests and specific life environment as well as on shared spatial resources – e.g. floating garden, terrace and yacht workshop. Low Energy • The water dwellings use minimal energy as the compact lower pontoon and upper storey are well insulated and shaded, with energy provided from the solar roof and heat exchangers built into the box below the waterline. • This efficiency could allow for near zero energy use by developing a communal food and energy supply.