Floating houses emerged as a creative response to the lack of space in waterfront cities and have become a true symbol of freedom and sustainable living. In the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, these homes began appearing in the 1960s, transforming the canals into full-fledged neighbourhoods on water.

Floating Communities: A Housing Model for Expanding Cities

Amsterdam’s floating community is dense but welcoming. Julius considers it a revolutionary housing model for expanding cities since it increases housing availability without taking up additional land.

Today, these floating communities are not just a housing solution; they’re genuine villages where people share ecological values and a strong sense of belonging. Imagine cosy homes gently swaying on the water, where each neighbourhood is connected not only by the canals but also by a lifestyle focused on sustainability and collaboration. In this way, floating communities offer a unique way of living, merging innovation, nature, and human connection. These homes are more popular than ever, blending community, ecology, and a dash of adventure.

A Floating House for a Growing Family

Julius Taminiau’s floating house is an innovative and sustainable project. Julius, an architect by trade, decided to transform an old barge into a welcoming home for his family. Originally, he and his partner lived in a small city apartment, but with the arrival of their children, they felt the need for a more spacious solution that would allow them to live a deep connection with nature. Instead of a conventional choice, they took a leap and bought an old floating house in one of the city’s river communities.

The Challenges of Living on a Floating House

To realize their dream of a floating house, Taminiau and his family had to face some challenges. The first was meeting the 5-meter height limit set by the docks. To comply, Taminiau designed the lower rooms to be partially submerged, inspired by the proportions of Japanese tatami for room layout.

Another challenge was transporting the floating house, built 100 kilometres away on water and later moved to its final mooring. Despite the difficulties, the Taminiau family’s determination saw them through, creating a unique home they’ve called their nest for over ten years.

The Benefits of Living on a Floating House

Choosing to live on a floating house comes with many benefits, starting with the freedom to change locations without being tied to one place. This flexibility lets the family explore new horizons and live a more dynamic life. Additionally, Taminiau’s floating home is an eco-friendly, partially self-sufficient solution with a low environmental impact thanks to its lightweight structure and use of natural resources like solar energy.

Not convinced yet? Consider the mental well-being: several studies show that living on water, thanks to the so-called “blue mind effect,” helps reduce stress, improve mood, and increase focus. The sight and sound of water bring a sense of calm, fostering a deep connection with nature and making the floating house experience a real boost for mental health.

For the family, the sense of community and bond with neighbours also enrich the experience of living in a “village” where everyone knows and supports each other.

Multifunctional Spaces and Income Generation

Taminiau’s floating house is not just a home; it’s also a source of income. With a keen focus on space optimization and functionality, Julius dedicated nearly half of the boat to his office and an independent studio complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and sofa bed. This space can be rented out, providing the family with extra income to support their lifestyle.

The children’s rooms and bathrooms are in the central part of the boat, while the parents’ area, kitchen, and living room are on the upper level. This layout allows the family to balance private and shared areas, enabling both intimacy and moments of togetherness.

In a Nutshell

The Taminiau family’s floating house in Amsterdam represents more than just a home: it’s a model of an alternative, sustainable lifestyle. By challenging conventions, the family created a space tailored to their needs, generating extra income and living in a supportive community. Their experience shows that it’s possible to step outside traditional norms and that innovative housing solutions like this can offer freedom, sustainability, and a genuine sense of belonging.