The latest developments in eco-sustainable architecture are rapidly taking shape. While the trend for building floating houses is spreading everywhere, in the most diverse geographical areas, green building solutions are becoming increasingly innovative.
The inspiration comes from Germany, in the form of a project known simply as HouseBoat in Oldenburg, but work is also in progress in the Netherlands and the UK, where the latest high-profile project is WaterNest 100, located in London and designed by Giancarlo Zema Design Group for EcoFloLife (ecological floating habitats).
This cosseting, low-consumption dwelling unit made entirely of recycled, laminated timber with a recycled aluminium hull is 4 m high, 12 m in diameter and has a surface area of 100 sq.m. The structure lends itself to a wide range of possible internal configurations, designed for residential, office or catering use, with options for living-rooms, dining-rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Each frontage features an easily accessible balcony, and windows that give guests magnificent views across the water. The kitchen and bathroom skylights are built into the wooden roof, along with 60 sq.m of photovoltaic panels capable of generating 4 kWp.
So this eco-building is suitable for all kinds of applications, and would make an especially elegant showroom. It can be used on rivers, lakes, bays and calm areas of sea, and what makes it so environmentally friendly is its use of sustainable materials and production systems, which make it 98% recyclable. Thanks to a system of internal natural micro-ventilation and air conditioning, furthermore, it is classified as a low-consumption residential habitat. Could this be the perfect recipe for a bridge between man and nature, with the added benefit of minimal environmental impact?
