Prefab Houseboats Exist, So You Can Live Out Your Sleepless In Seattle Dreams
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.
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.
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.
h/t Designboom