Houseboat, Amsterdam
A bespoke houseboat in central Amsterdam, fully designed inside and out. By incorporating the full depth of the concrete hull into the interior, the design achieves an exceptional ceiling height of 2.80 metres and a refined, water-level living experience.
Located in the centre of Amsterdam, this custom houseboat was designed from the ground up, both inside and out. The defining architectural gesture of the project lies in the use of the full depth of the concrete hull as interior space.
By lowering the floor into the hull, an exceptional ceiling height of 2.80 metres was achieved, an uncommon quality for a houseboat and a key contributor to the feeling of openness and calm. This intervention transforms the interior into a light-filled, almost architectural volume rather than a conventional boat interior, blurring the boundary between floating structure and contemporary dwelling.
Master Bedroom The master bedroom was designed as an immersive water-level experience. A custom elevated bed was developed, incorporating generous storage beneath the sleeping platform. Copper detailing adds warmth and refinement to the cabinetry and construction.
The bed aligns precisely with the window line, allowing the occupant to sleep at the same height as the water surface. This direct visual and spatial connection to the canal creates a quiet, intimate relationship with the surrounding environment.
Bathroom The bathroom continues this dialogue with the water. A sunken bathtub was positioned exactly at waterline level, reinforcing the sensation of bathing within the landscape rather than beside it. The entire bathroom is finished in marble, giving the space a timeless, monolithic character that contrasts subtly with the movement of the water outside. Kitchen and Materials
The kitchen was designed as a fully bespoke element, combining copper, wood, and concrete into a balanced and tactile composition. Each material was selected for its durability, ageing qualities, and visual warmth. The kitchen functions as both a practical workspace and an architectural anchor within the interior.
Living on the Water Throughout the houseboat, custom detailing and material continuity ensure that the interior feels calm, robust, and understated.
The project demonstrates how spatial quality, material honesty, and precise detailing can elevate compact living on the water into a refined residential experience.
