Halcyon Houseboat Is a Floating Oasis of Peace That Fully Connects With the Elements

It's true that some floating houses are purposefully built to cut the costs of living and help inhabitants lead a greener life, but there are houseboats that can do all that while also allowing you to downsize without feeling confined and without renouncing on the luxuries you are used to.

One such house on the water is the new Halcyon by Jolson, a structure that sits at the intersection of a luxury yacht and a lavish tiny home. It actually redefines luxury at sea with its careful attention to detail, extraordinary scale, and deep connection with the surroundings through an open-plan design.

Halcyon, whose name means a happy and peaceful period of the past and is also the name of a mythical bird believed to have the power to calm winds and waves, was designed to provide an idyllic respite from the hurly-burly of city life.

It is a modern houseboat equipped with everything you need to indulge in the ultimate boating experience. But not any modern houseboat, but one that can be considered an architectural marvel that strays away from traditional design in terms of floating dwellings, with its seamless blend of form and function and uniform flow between outdoors and indoors.

Designed by architect Stephen Jolson, this houseboat resides on the crystal clear waters of Lake Eildon near Melbourne, Australia. According to the designer, the inspiration for Halcyon came from the time he spent on his grandparents' houseboat on the same lake as a child, that's why the main design philosophy behind the new build revolves around harmonizing the interior with the rugged Australian landscape surrounding it. He designed this stunning floating house for his own family in hopes that he can offer his children the same memories and experiences he had growing up.

The boat sports a fully insulated fiberglass exterior with a sleek yet imposing profile, counterbalanced by a calm, inviting interior. It stands out through a more dynamic structure that distinguishes itself from the predominantly geometric houseboats that populate Lake Eildon.

The serene atmosphere onboard Halcyon is achieved through smooth lines that give it a calm dynamism on the water and the use of a limited array of materials and colors.

Jolson leveraged his architectural expertise and familiarity with the local environment to create a dream houseboat that provides not only a living space but also a unique experience that allows inhabitants a seamless connection to nature. To accomplish this, the architect drew inspiration from the great outdoors in designing the interior.

With an overall design that focuses on openness, Halcyon boasts plenty of glazing to bring the outdoors inside. Large windows allow the sides of the houseboat to slide open and form an al-fresco living room surrounded by water.

Moreover, Jolson incorporated the textures of the landscape inside the architecture of the boat, thus ensuring it looks like an extension of its surroundings. The open-plan ground floor with minimal partitions and walls, along with the sawn-cut oak floorboards with a rugged texture that continues on the furniture pieces, creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

From the common living areas on the ground floor, the owner and their guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake through the expansive windows. The lounging room opens out to a covered open-air room that provides additional seating and dining spaces.

Two ultra-elegant master bedrooms and two guest suites that share an ensuite can be found on the middle floor, all of them with modern, contemporary interior decor that focuses on minimalism and uses a neutral color palette. A nice feature incorporated in both master bedrooms is a huge circular mirror that reflects the surrounding views, allowing guests to fully immerse in the landscape.

The sleeping spaces are all designed to ensure privacy, allowing guests to unwind and relax away from the boat's decks and common areas.

In the middle of the floating house is an open staircase placed in front of the windows. It serves to connect all three floors of the boat and extends to the partially-covered rooftop. At the same time, its strategic location ensures that all corners of the houseboat are filled with natural light and brightness. Beneath the staircase, there is a built-in cabinet that serves as a bar and also incorporates a TV.

The top floor is an expansive, versatile living space that offers 360-degree views as it features no walls or partitions. It is accessed through an automated hatch and is furnished with plenty of sun lounges, daybeds, a linear bar complete with top-notch kitchen amenities, plus a round banquette for lounging and dining. The rooftop also houses a woodfired hot tub, which invites relaxation.

Halcyon is also built with a focus on sustainability, as the boat can run fully on solar power during summer time, except for the engines.

Through its seamless connection with the surrounding water, the calm interior atmosphere, and the layout that invites mindfulness and relaxation, Halcyon is a great houseboat to create experiences and memories with loved ones.