Prefab Houseboats Exist, So You Can Live Out Your Sleepless In Seattle Dreams

Written by

Kenya Foy
Kenya Foy
Kenya is a Dallas-based freelance entertainment and lifestyle writer who devotes most of her free time to traveling, gardening, playing piano and reading way too many advice columns.
published Apr 20, 2018
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Max Zhivov)

Studies show that living near water can reduce stress, so it stands to reason that one way you could maximize that benefit is by living on a boat, particularly a floating habitat that can be assembled in four days by two people.

The credit for this dreamy design concept goes to Russian designer Max Zhivov, whose customizable Modul Go houseboats were inspired by construction kits for children and flat-pack furniture made popular by IKEA.

(Image credit: Max Zhivov)

The multi-purpose modules can function as a two-bedroom home, a docking space for hydroplanes, a restaurant, a warehouse, an electric station or even as a mode of transporting cargo, including small vehicles or kayaks. Among the customized options are modules measuring 8 feet by 7.5 feet, plus there’s an 11.5-foot tall option that obviously allows for a little more headspace. The homes are situated atop platforms that are available in 450 or 900 square feet.

(Image credit: Max Zhivov)

In addition to its simple, quick assembly process, the yachts are equipped with a pair of tracks that make it easily transportable. They come with solar panels and electric motors, making them eco-friendly. Additionally, Zhivov has plans to outfit the floating platforms with an app that will allow users to select section combinations, check price variations and get a visual of their houseboat layouts from their smartphones.

In addition to the Modul Go houseboats, Zhivov has presented several conceptual water dwellings, including a double-level Hydrohouse, the Trondheim trawler, the first electric-powered yacht designed specifically for trawling activities and a modifiable yacht named MYBO, an innovative nautical design system that allows its various components to be shifted into different positions like LEGO blocks.