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This houseboat of the future is a $5.5 million floating mansion designed for sea level rise

By Linda Robertson
Miami Herald
April.30.2019

The Arkup houseboat, a green-energy luxury floating home that can adapt to sea rise, docks off Palm Island near Miami Beach on Saturday, April 27, 2019. The floating house has solar panels, impact resistant windows and can withstand hurricane winds of up to 155 miles per hour. MATIAS J. OCNER MOCNER@MIAMIHERALD.COM

Why let sea rise sink your Miami lifestyle when you can go with the flow aboard the Arkup houseboat?

Arkup features the ingenious engineering feature of four hydraulic pilings that stabilize the vessel on the sea bottom or allow it to lift like a house on stilts above floodwaters, king tides and hurricane-whipped storm surges. South Florida sea levels are projected to rise 6 to 12 inches by 2030, 14 inches to nearly three feet by 2060, and 31 inches to nearly seven feet by 2100, according to the Southeast Florida Climate Change Regional Compact Sea Level Rise Work Group. Miami Beach and the Keys may be inundated first, but the entire region is recognized as one of the most vulnerable on the planet.

In this brave new waterworld, Arkup wants to keep you high and dry on your floating home.

Noah, who constructed his ark to withstand 40 days and 40 nights of apocalyptic rain and Biblical flooding, would approve. He probably could not afford the modern version, which has a sticker price of $5.5 million, but he would like the comfort, spacious bathrooms and retractable swimming platform.

Arkup, solar-powered and equipped with a rainwater-collecting-and-purifying system, is a self-sustaining home, a green adaptation for our blue future.

“It’s more like a house than a boat but you never lose the unmistakable feeling that you’re on the water,” said Nicolas Derouin, managing director of Arkup.

Arkup was designed and built in Miami by Derouin and Arnaud Luguet, two French engineers who live here and have a passion for the oceans and environmental preservation.

They have witnessed the impact of climate change and sea level rise in their adopted hometown and around the world. On Monday, Indonesia announced it will move its capital out of Jakarta, a swampy, flood-prone and drowning metropolis of 30 million people.

“It is happening before our eyes,” Derouin said. “Coastal areas are the most desirable but also the most at risk. Miami is implementing resiliency measures. We hope Arkup can be a small part of the solution.”

Derouin and Luguet were inspired by the Dutch floating communities of IJburg and Schoonschip.

“In the Netherlands, one third of the country is below sea level,” Derouin said. “They want to develop housing alternatives. Instead of fighting the water, live on it.”

Lake Union in Seattle has 500 permanently docked houseboats. Paris has restaurants, a hotel and is building a 2024 Olympic venue on the River Seine. Dubai has floating vacation homes. In San Francisco, where Sausalito has a houseboat community, the Danish firm BIG has proposed building an archipelago of floating villages connected by ferries on the bay. The Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club in Weehawken, N.J., which was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, may reinvent its marina as a houseboat haven.

“We decided to design a boat that looks and feels like Miami, is compatible with a subtropical climate and gives the owner the freedom and flexibility to move,” Derouin said.

Their ultimate goal is to create an affordable model, develop floating neighborhoods and partner with island hotels to build eco-bungalows on surrounding waters.

“We want to design small apartments on the water for students, townhouses for families,” Derouin said. “We want to create housing solutions for a broader audience. That’s the vision behind Arkup.”

Derouin and Luguet collaborated with Dutch firm Waterstudio and pioneering aqua-tect Koen Olthuis, who has designed a floating mosque, floating prison, floating spa and floating resort and helped conceptualize a proposed development of 29 private islands with lavish sustainable homes — a villa flotilla — on Maule Lake in North Miami Beach.

“He is an advocate of urban planning on the water,” Derouin said.

You may have noticed Arkup — which was unveiled at the Miami Boat Show in February — docked at Star Island and now Palm Island. You can see it from the MacArthur Causeway. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it looks like a large glass box.

On board, it doesn’t look or feel like a boat. No rocking, for one thing. It has two air-conditioned levels, with 9-1/2-foot ceilings on the first floor and 8-1/2-foot ceilings on the second. There are three bedrooms upstairs with three full and roomy bathrooms — no cramped and tilting heads on this boat — and two balconies.

Downstairs, there’s an inviting living room, kitchen, dining area, two bathrooms and a small room with a Murphy bed that could be an office or guest quarters. Interior design is by Brazilian company Artefacto. A sliding outdoor deck adds 500 square feet of floor space when fully extended.

At the stern, the swim platform can be lowered into the water to create a mini pool. There’s a boat lift for your kayak or amphibious vehicle.

The bow deck has an outdoor kitchen and console controls for navigation and operating the 136-hp rotating electric thrusters, which emit no noise and require no diesel fuel, and the anchoring system, which allows adjustments of each piling to level the boat.

Arkup has a maximum speed of 7 knots and a range of 20 nautical miles that can be increased with additional battery banks or a backup generator.

“We can’t match the navigational capacity and speed of a yacht,” Derouin said. “You couldn’t cruise around the world, but you could use Arkup in the Bahamas or British Virgin Islands, for example.

“Our vessel is 75 feet long and 32 feet wide and we have the same livable space as a yacht that is 110 feet long. Arkup is for people who prioritize space and comfort over speed and range.”

Arkup’s steel hull and superstructure is built to withstand Category 4 hurricane winds (up to 156 mph). The 40-foot-long pilings, or spuds, enable the boat to anchor in up to 25 feet of water and elevate above the waves. The draft is five feet. It’s got a 4,000-gallon freshwater tank and an equal-sized tank for waste water. The 2,400-square-foot roof is covered with 36-kilowatt capacity solar panels that recharge the battery.

“A motor yacht is the opposite of sustainable,” Derouin said, pointing to a gigantic yacht parked behind Arkup and to passing motorboats that pause while curious passengers take a look at Arkup. “Large engines. Massive fuel consumption. Pollution. On Arkup you can live completely off the grid with no bills for energy or water. It is zero emission, carbon neutral. In this house, you don’t need to rebuild your seawalls or move your air conditioner to higher ground. Compared to the costs of a waterfront home, Arkup is competitive.”

Plus it’s got panoramic views of the downtown skyline and dolphins swimming by the side deck.

So far, the partners have one buyer and a waiting list of potential buyers who want to take the boat for a test drive.

“We’ve had an amazing response,” Derouin said. “Our clientele includes owners of private Caribbean islands who think Arkup is better than building a beach house. Or people who live full or part time in Miami and want a toy for the weekends, to take friends out on the bay. We have people who live elsewhere and Arkup would be their second or vacation home. And people who see it as their primary home, docked at a marina. It’s a luxury product for a niche market but our dream is to develop affordable versions with the same principles.”

Miamians who don’t want to flee could take to the sea. As oceans swell and coastlines shrink, trade house for houseboat.

“We need more entrepreneurs and scientists developing innovative ideas because climate change is not slowing down,” Derouin said. “Here’s one new way to live in harmony with the water.”

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These solar-powered floating homes are built to withstand floods and hurricanes

By Nicole Jewell
Inhahitat
April.1.2019
Photo Credits: ARKUP & Waterstudio

 

As many coastal cities struggle to come up with resiliency plans in the face of rising sea levels, Dutch architect Koen Olthuis with Waterstudio is creating sustainable, solar-powered floating residences that could offer the perfect solution. Already well-known for its high-end floating homes, Waterstudio and Miami-based Arkup are now teaming up with Artefacto, an environmentally friendly Brazilian furnishing brand, to create stylish floating houses that are not only resilient to storms and sea levels, but also represent the luxury style for which Miami is known.

Waterstudio has long been recognized for creating sustainable and attractive floating homes that can provide discerning homeowners with an “avant-garde life on water.” The residences are modern, cube-like structures that are completely self-sufficient, operating 100 percent off-grid thanks to solar power generation, eco-friendly waste management features, rainwater harvesting and water purification systems. Additionally, the homes are equipped with unique self-elevating systems that help the structures withstand high winds, floods and hurricanes.

In addition to the ultra sustainable and resilient features, the two-story floating homes boast interiors with a 775-square-foot living room, bedroom, kitchen and dining space, as well as an open-air rooftop lounge. Sliding glass doors, which almost make up the entirety of the front facade, lead out to a beautiful terrace.

Although the company has been working on its floating homes for some time, it recently announced a new partnership with Artefacto, a Brazilian furnishing company with a strong commitment to sustainability that is known for combining luxurious furniture made of raw materials with cutting-edge smart automation technologies. The floating residences will now be outfitted with eco-friendly furnishings, including high-end pieces made out of timber approved for use by the Brazilian Environment Department.

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Varend appartement

By Niek Schenk
Financieel Dagblad
March.16.2019

Op het eerste gezicht lijkt de Arkup een reguliere woonboot, maar doordat er een elektrische schroef aan is toegevoegd kan het drijvende appartement varen. Met opgeladen batterijen kan de Arkup ruim dertig kilometer ver komen.

Architect Koen Olthuis van Waterstudio.NL tekende voor het ontwerp van de duurzame boot, die een woonoppervlak van ruim 400 m2 heeft. De drijvende bungalow is voorzien van een hydraulisch systeem waarmee hij vier poten op de bodem kan zetten, voor meer stabiliteit. Dit systeem kan de villa ook boven het wateroppervlak tillen. De eerste Arkup is net gebouwd, aan een tweede wordt gewerkt. De prijs is 4,4 miljoen euro.

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Floating Miami mansion propped up on hydraulic stilts that can withstand 155mph hurricanes and turns rain into drinking water goes on market for $5.5m

By Connor Boyd
Dailymail.com
Photo credits: Craig Denis
March.01.2019

 

  • The Arkup #1 was designed by Dutch firm Waterstudio.NL and features four bedrooms, each with an en-suite
  • Hydraulic stilts can be deployed to depth of 20ft to stabilize dwelling or lift it above water line to avoid waves
  • Rainwater is collected from the roof and purified for drinking, while solar panels power the electronics inside 

The finishing touches have been put on a floating mansion that can withstand rising sea levels and Category Four hurricanes of up to 155mph after years of development.

The Arkup #1 was designed by Dutch architecture firm Waterstudio.NL and will cost a whopping $5.5 million to own.

The property – propped up on hydraulic stilts – measures 75ft-long comprising 4,350sq ft of open-plan space including a lounge, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. Upstairs, there are a total of four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom.

This contemporary floating home in Miami – that can withstand rising sea levels and Category 4 hurricanes of up to 155mph- is on the market for a cool $5.5million

The Arkup #1 – as it’s called – was designed by Dutch architecture firm Waterstudio.NL who say the home is a fusion of cutting edge technology and luxury. It boasts a spacious living area which invites natural lighting to pour in through its many windows

The property measures 75ft-long comprising 4,350sq ft of floorspace. Its hydraulic structure means you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep, regardless of how choppy the water is outside

You can relax in its king-sized freestanding bathtub which overlooks the palm trees and sparkling waters of Miami

The hydraulic stilts can be deployed to a depth of 20 ft to stabilize the dwelling or lift it above the water line to avoid waves and reduce hull maintenance. The mansion comes with an outdoor area perfect for catching a tan and hosting parties

The stilts can be deployed to a depth of 20ft (6m) to stabilize the dwelling or lift it above the water line to avoid waves and reduce hull maintenance. There’s a lot of other tech installed in the Arkup #1 too, including a solar panel array and up to 1,000 kWh battery bank that Arkup says is sufficient to power it off-the-grid. Rainwater is collected from the roof and purified for drinking, and solar panels are used to power the internet, TV and radio.

There’s a lot of other tech installed in the Arkup #1 too, including a solar panel array and up to 1,000 kWh battery bank that Arkup says is sufficient to power it off-the-grid

Rainwater is collected from the roof and purified for drinking, and the solar panels power the internet, TV and electric cookers

The inside features an open-plan ground floor layout that looks out onto the spacious balcony area. It also features a lounge, dining area, kitchen, and a bathroom. Upstairs, there are a total of four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom

The model is currently for sale in Miami and Arkup says it plans to build three more in the next 12 months.

The home is propelled by a pair of 100 kW (134 hp) electric azimuth thrusters, allowing it to reach 7 knots. The Arkup #1 is fronted by a slide-out deck area, and generous glazing. The model is currently for sale in Miami and Arkup says it plans to build three more in the next 12 months. The firm is also looking into the possibility of developing eco-resorts in the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.

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Water: The next Frontier

By Erik Bojnansky
BT Senior writer

For a view million, you can ride out the rising seas in style

 

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Future Proof: Arkup Luxury “Boathouse”

By Rhapsody magzine
2019.March.05

The Arkup #1 floating home is a US$5 million luxury boathouse investment against rising sea levels

For sale for US$5.5 million, the luxurious Arkup floating house should be the ultimate high net worth individual’s contingency plan against the looming spectre of rising sea levels

The Arkup No.1 Floating Home is not just a luxurious concept but a revolutionary one. Designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis of Waterstudio.nl, Arkup is a unique floating home realised from Olthuis’s  philanthropic focus on future habitats and the challenges of rising sea levels and floods resulting from climate change as well as the needs of a booming world population.

The 4 bedroom (each equipped with its own en-suite bathroom) luxury “houseboat” is an off-grid “blue dwelling” and so you aren’t exactly “living on a yacht” – you get to enjoy all the creature comforts of landed real estate except that you’re living right on the water instead of a mere waterfront.

Ranked 122nd on TIME Magazine’s list of the most influential people in the world, Olthuis and his firm specialises in floating structures and homes. His own native Netherlands (through innovative use of dikes, Holland is built mostly on wetlands) with one-third reclaimed land and sits below sea-level so water-based issues are challenges that he has a unique perspective on. The Arkup No.1 or officially “Arkup #1” is a 75 ft (22.9m) long two-story luxury houseboat with 4,350 sq ft of space; the first edition floating home was furnished by Brazil’s Artefacto.

For sale for US$5.5 million, Olthuis’s luxurious Arkup floating house should be the ultimate high net worth individual’s contingency plan against the looming spectre of climate change. Unveiled at the recent Miami Ycaht Show, the Arkup #1 floating home boasts solar power, stabilizing hydraulic stilts, and its own engines. The hydraulic stilts are an innovating  self-elevating system can go down 20 feet to lift it above the waves, keeping you and your home safe in a storm. Suffice it to say, if you happened to be caught away from the shore during a storm or a calamitous tsunami event, the Arkup is a literally boathouse, it would just float on the mega waves. Arkup No. 1 is also designed to withstand a Category 4 hurricane (up to 250 km/h winds) and carries stories stored solar energy reserves in its 1,000 kWh battery pack for night time power needs as well as a rainwater collection system for moderate water self-sufficiency.

A pair of 100kW thrusters with 272 horsepower can move the Arkup #1 luxury boathouse up to seven knots, allowing high net worth individuals to flee some of the devastation should a climate disaster strike. Arkup livable yachts combine the best attributes of yachts, floating houses and waterfront villas, with the added benefits of being self-sufficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

#1 is for sale in Miami and there are plans to build three more in the next 12 months. There are also preliminary project plans for eco-resorts in the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.

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Arkup’s incredible floating home is finally complete… and it’ll cost you $5.5 million

By Adam Williams
New Atlas
February.27.2019
Photo credits: Craig Denis

 

The Arkup #1 is rated to withstand Hurricane winds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h)(Credit: Arkup)

 

You could be forgiven for thinking that Arkup’s ambitious concept for a floating home would never be realized, but it has indeed been built and is now for sale for a cool US$5.5 million. Boasting solar power, stabilizing hydraulic stilts, and its own engines, the first model was recently unveiled during the Miami Yacht Show.

The Arkup #1, as it’s officially called, is a 75 ft (22.9 m)-long two-story ultra-luxury houseboat comprising 4,350 sq ft (404 sq m) of floorspace. It was designed by Dutch architecture firm Waterstudio.NL and the model pictured was furnished by Brazil’s Artefacto.

Its most interesting feature compared to other floating homes we’ve seen is its hydraulic stilts. These can be deployed to a depth of 20 ft (6 m) to stabilize the dwelling or lift it above the water line to avoid waves and reduce hull maintenance. The firm also says that it’s rated to withstand Category 4 Hurricane winds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h).

There’s a lot of other tech installed in the Arkup #1 too, including a 36 kW solar panel array and up to 1,000 kWh battery bank that Arkup says is sufficient to power it off-the-grid. Rainwater is collected from the roof and purified for drinking, and a bunch of communication systems are used for the internet, TV and radio. The home is propelled by a pair of 100 kW (134 hp) electric azimuth thrusters, allowing it to reach 7 knots.

The Arkup #1 is fronted by a slide-out deck area, and generous glazing. The model shown features an open-plan ground floor layout with lounge, dining area, kitchen, and a bathroom. Upstairs, there are a total of four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom.

The model pictured is for sale in Miami and Arkup tells us it plans to build three more in the next 12 months. The firm is also looking into the possibility of developing eco-resorts in the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean.

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Stormbestendige watervilla: Nederlander bouwt stad van de toekomst

By Frederique Dormaar
RTL Nieuws
February.22.2019
Photo credits: Waterstudio

Net als olieplatformen in de Noordzee kan deze watervilla zich uit het water opduwen.

Het Nederlandse architectenbureau Waterstudio.nl heeft een luxe waterwoning gebouwd, die zich tijdens een orkaan boven de golven uit kan drukken. Dit ontwerp is pas het begin, want er wordt hard gewerkt aan de stad van de toekomst waar woontorens, parkeergarages en parken allemaal drijvend zullen zijn.

Architect Koen Olthuis is net terug uit Miami. Daar is zijn nieuwste project gepresenteerd: een orkaanbestendige watervilla. “De eerste ter wereld”, volgens Olthuis. Bij een hevige storm kan de waterwoning zichzelf wel zes meter uit het water duwen.

Meters boven zee

Bij een traditionele woning op het water slaan golven tegen het huis aan tijdens een orkaan. “En de wind kan er niet omheen”, legt Olthuis uit. Die problemen zijn opgelost wanneer de waterwoning, via palen op de zeebodem, uit het water wordt gedrukt. “Golven slaan dan niet meer tegen de woning en de wind kan er onderdoor.”

De watervilla is gebaseerd op Nederlandse offshoretechniek. Olieplatformen in de Noordzee kunnen zich ook uit de zee duwen als er een storm opsteekt, vertelt Olthuis. Die techniek heeft Waterstudio.nl, dat Olthuis samen met zijn compagnon vijftien jaar geleden heeft opgericht, in zijn nieuwste waterwoning toegepast.

Deze villa kan zichzelf uit het water duwen.

Maquette van een woontoren

Nederland loopt van oudsher mijlenver voor als het gaat om bouwen in en op het water en Olthuis en zijn collega’s maken steeds opnieuw gebruik van die kennis. “Het is net een snoepwinkel”, zegt de architect, die via moederskant uit een scheepsbouwer-familie komt en via zijn vader ingenieursbloed heeft.

De stormbestendige watervilla is met een prijs van 5,5 miljoen euro alleen beschikbaar voor de ‘happy few’, maar er wordt gewerkt aan gangbaardere varianten. “Deze techniek biedt enorme kansen. Je kunt wel 50 ton uit het water duwen. We nu zijn bezig met een drijvende toren van acht lagen. Ik heb de maquette voor me staan.”

Drijvende parkeergarage leasen

Maar de ambities van Olthuis en zijn bureau reiken verder dan dat. Stadions, parkeergarages, studentenflats en zelfs complete parken zouden allemaal drijvend moeten worden. Steden zouden zo veel flexibeler worden, is de gedachte.

Nu zijn steden statisch, legt hij uit. Wegen en bebouwing liggen vast. Je kunt daar moeilijk iets aan veranderen, zegt Olthuis. “Op het water ben je veel flexibeler. Je legt studentenwoningen neer, of een stadion, en je kunt ze weghalen wanneer je wilt.” Je zou ook naar een systeem kunnen gaan waarbij stadions of parkeergarages te leasen zijn, filosofeert hij.

Praten met overheden

Tokyo, Singapore, New York en Hong Kong. Steden die water nu als bedreiging zien, zouden het meer als een kans moeten beschouwen. Dat geldt ook voor Miami, waar de orkaanbestendige watervilla van Nederlandse makelij ligt. Door de sponsachtige ondergrond kan Miami geen dijken kan bouwen, dus moet de stad het waterprobleem op een andere manier oplossen.

Daarom praat Olthuis veel met overheden. “We zijn eigenlijk ook een consultancybureau. We onderzoeken en ontwerpen”, zegt hij. Er zijn maar weinig architecten die zich hebben gespecialiseerd in bouwen op het water. Olthuis: “Als er wereldwijd iets moet gebeuren op gebied van bouwen op water, dan komen ze al snel bij ons.”

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A $6 million floating home that can withstand Category 4 hurricanes is now a reality. Take a look inside

By Aria Bendix
Business Insider
February.25.2019
Photo credits: Craig Denis

  • After years of development, the housing startup Arkup has debuted a floating home that can withstand rising sea levels and Category 4 hurricanes.
  • The home contains a hydraulic system that lifts it above water and anchors it during heavy winds.
  • Arkup envisions a future where entire communities in Miami and other major cities are designed to float.

Foto: Arkup Arkup’s first floating home debuted in February.

When the housing startup Arkup revealed its plan to build a floating, hurricane-proof yacht in 2017, South Florida had just witnessed the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm that destroyed hundreds of residences.

The company’s models were designed to weather a storm of that magnitude, but it would be another two years before they became a reality.

In February, Arkup debuted its first floating residence at a yacht show in Miami. Climatologists have pointed to the city as one of the areas most vulnerable to climate change.

The price tag for a fully furnished residence is steep – just under $6 million – but Arkup has plans to deliver smaller, more affordable units down the line. The company is accepting offers on its first model, as well as future models that have yet to be built.

For now, the yacht’s solar-powered roofs and hydraulic anchoring system come at a high cost. Its sleek designs also cater to luxury clients who often prefer to live on or near the water.

Take a look inside Arkup’s first floating home.

As a longtime Miami resident, Arkup cofounder Arnaud Luguet noticed that local authorities were struggling to prepare for the effects of climate change.

Foto: The units are just as mobile as a typical yacht.sourceArkup

Luguet saw floating homes as a way to make communities more resilient. He teamed up with Nicolas Derouin, an executive who shared his passion for the ocean and renewable energy, to create Arkup in 2016.

“We wanted to provide the next generation of floating homes or house boats that would be self-sufficient, sustainable, and also mobile,” Derouin told Business Insider.


Arkup’s model was inspired by floating houseboats in the Netherlands, where it’s common to live on the water.

Foto: The interior was designed by the home-furnishing company Artefacto.sourceArkup

Luguet and Derouin partnered with the Netherlands-based architecture firm Waterstudio, which specializes in designing floating homes.

Both Arkup and Waterstudio envision a future in which entireneighborhoods are built on the water in major cities such as New York and Miami.


Arkup’s first-ever model can be built on either land or water.

Foto: Waterstudio sees water as an asset, not a challenge, to new construction.sourceArkup

At 4,350 square feet, the home contains a customizable layout of four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. It’s also mobile, so it can be driven to new locations.

Hydraulic studs anchor the yacht in place so it can withstand winds of up to 155 mph.

Foto: The residences provide 360-degree views of the water.sourceArkup

The wind speed of a Category 4 hurricane ranges from 130 to 156 mph.

Although the home is designed to bob with the water during a storm, Derouin said the studs help stabilize the structure to prevent motion sickness among residents.

“We wanted [residents] to be as safe and comfortable in the house as they would be on land,” he said.


The yacht’s jack-up system allows the vessel to be lifted up to 20 feet above water.

Foto: Derouin said storm surge poses a greater danger to homes than heavy winds.sourceArkup

Scientists predict the US could see nearly 6 feet of sea-level rise by the end of the century under the most extreme climate conditions. Arkup’s homes would clear these water levels, Derouin told Business Insider.


Residents can disconnect from sewage lines thanks to a system that collects, stores, and purifies rainwater.

Foto: Residents of an Arkup home can live off-grid.sourceArkup

The homes also have zero emissions and are powered by rooftop solar panels.


Derouin said Arkup’s next venture is to build floating communities and resorts.

Foto: Miami could see nearly 6 feet of sea-level rise by 2100.sourceArkup

The company hopes to use modular construction to build multiple units on the water. Derouin said Arkup has been in talks with private-island owners about developing floating communities.

The company is also interested in creating more affordable models, such as a floating complex of student homes. Derouin said Arkup is looking into building a “ranch” of smaller yachts that are each about 1,600 square feet. By building smaller, he said, Arkup can reduce its price tag.

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Floating homes in Miami

By Maria de Juan
Neomania Magazine
Volume 38
February.22.2019

 

A innovating form of home has been presented at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show by architects Koen Olthuis and Arkup. The first prototype has been built on Miami River in 2018 and is expected to make a revolution in housing history.

South Florida, especially Miami and the Keys, was one of several regions that Hurricane Irma pummeled in early September last year.

The Category 4 storm brought winds of up to 70 mph, destroying hundreds of houses and knocking out electric power for 5.8 million homes and businesses in Florida.

A new type of solar-powered home could withstand future storms and rising sea levels. Created by the architect Koen Olthuis and a housing startup called Arkup, the new design caused great impact at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2018.

Floating houses are completely powered by roof solar panels and have systems to collect and purify rainwater. They include systems that collect and purify rainwater for residents to use for their bathing, kitchen and plumbing needs. Each home’s layout can be customized.

These moveable homes would be able to withstand winds of up to 156 mph, classified as a Category 4 hurricane. They are designed to be buoyed so that when water levels rise during a storm, they will bob with the water.

The luxury homes, which Olthuis and Arkup call “livable yachts,” will feature hydraulic jack-up systems to anchor and stabilise them during storms and hurricanes. They are designed to lift 40 feet above the ocean to prevent flooding.

The team expects each home to cost $2 million to $3 million. Olthuis is known for designing homes on water. His innovating architecture firm, Waterstudio, has concentrated exclusively in floating buildings for over a decade.

In 2006, they created and built a similar house off the coast of De Hoef, in the Netherlands. Unlike with the livable yacht concept and other kinds of houseboats, its owner can’t drive it away.

Waterstudio also designed a floating villa, a floating hotel in Dubai and a floating wildlife habitat tower in Dianchi Lake, near KunmingChina, all completed in 2018.

Koen Olthuis is a young Dutch architect born in 1971. He studied Architecture and Industrial Design at Delft University of Technology. He is founder of the Dutch architectural firm, Waterstudio which specialises in floating structures to counter concerns of floods and rising sea levels. The firm is currently based in RijswijkThe Netherlands.

In 2005, together with Paul Van de CampOlthuis co-founded another company that focuses in developing floating structures.

In 2010, together with David KeuningOlthuis is the author of an innovating book called “Float!: Building on Water to Combat Urban Congestion and Climate Change” (Frame Publishers, 2010).

Olthuis is currently a member of the Flood Resilience Group UNESCO-IHE. The Group in Delft, focuses on establishing resilient urban water management. Often partnering with both private and public organisations, this Group takes a trans-disciplinary approach to enhance te resistance of cities to extreme weather events by incorporating urban water system planning, design and governance.

Koen Olthuis owns eight patent rights on the method for producing floating bases.

The young architect, inventor and book writer was protagonist inTIME Magazine in the article “Are they worthy?”. In 2007, Olthuis was ranked as number 122 in TIME readers’ poll as “the most influential people of the year“, with a rating of 45 out of 100 possible points. He reappeared in the same ranking on November 2011.

Livable yachts and other floating homes are the future of housing, especially in the face of climate change.

We can guess to see more floating neighbourhoods in the next 5 to 10 years. They will probably happen in MiamiNew York and Tokyo.

Cities will start to see the water as an asset for the architecture of the future.

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