Readers of Forum City will be interested to know that this floating house is located in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands, right in a park next to a busy bike path. It was completed in 2013 by BYTR architecten. The focus of the design was to combine the publicity of this part of the marina with the client’s need for privacy of their home.
The clients had several requirements for the architects and designers. They wanted the vessel to be bigger than their former home, but still retain the intimate feel of their old steel ship. They also wished to have the feeling of life on the water, but without the hackneyed ways, such as portholes. Finally, they dreamed of a dwelling that no one would look into, but at the same time have a view of the park. Certainly the creators of this incredible house succeeded perfectly to satisfy all the client’s needs.
The first task for the guest of the house after crossing the footbridge is to find the front door, which barely stands out from the interior. Inside, you find a very bright and cozy dwelling with huge windows and open roof parts with a beautiful view of the park. From the entrance, the path starts towards the terrace and the fishing boat quay. On either side of the door are a spacious living room and dining room, both of which are accessible from an open hallway raised one notch to add height to the ceiling of the shower room, which is located one floor below.
The facade is made of several materials, which gives it an unusual appearance. The copper sheets below almost touch the water, and the reflection of the boat in them mixes with the reflection of the facade. Transparent design strikes a balance between privacy and access to the parkscape. An exterior staircase leads to a roof terrace and continues the style of the white walls of the interior, creating the atmosphere of a room in the street.
Utrecht law permits the external dimensions of such structures to be no more than 5 by 16.5 meters in area, 1 meter deep and 4 meters over water. Building a houseboat presents more challenges than conventional living quarters. However, this project shows that a carefully thought-out layout can not only fully satisfy the needs of the occupants, but also provide additional visual aesthetic value in a public place like this.
Materials provided by BYTR architecten.
This house seems to be a unique blend of modern design and natural surroundings. I am curious to know how the architect managed to create such balance and harmony between the two. What inspired the design of this house and what challenges did they face while building it in the heart of a city park?
What inspired the architect to design a house in the heart of a city park? How does this modern interpretation of architecture blend with its natural surroundings in Utrecht, The Netherlands?
What were the key elements of the modern architectural style used by BYTR architecten in designing this impressive house?
This house truly stands out with its modern architectural design located in a city park. I’m curious to know more about how BYTR architecten approached this project. What inspired their unique interpretation of architecture and what challenges did they face in combining modern elements with the natural surroundings?