Houseboats used to enjoy tremendous popularity in the 19th century, with people using them either as their permanent residences or as vacation homes. But nowadays, these humble dwellings on the water are regarded as outdated. Italian designer Jacopo Leoni is trying to reinvent the houseboat and modernize it for the 21st century with a multi-hull design and luxurious amenities.
Leoni's floating home concept, called Cube Houseboat, is a visionary contraption that blends maritime engineering and architectural ingenuity. Standing as a testament to innovation and artistry, the vessel is based on a robust catamaran with curved, asymmetrical displacement hulls and boasts a rather angular, modern design. It measures 59 feet (18 meters) in length, and its superstructure is made of a combination of durable aluminum alloy and red reinforced glass.
As for the inspiration for this unique design, Leoni says the houseboat takes design cues from the pioneering creations of the Modernist movement and the work of Charles-Édouard Jeanneret. The Swiss-French architect and designer was best known as Le Corbusier and was one of the pioneers of modern architecture.
Apart from the eye-pleasing appearance, this conceptual houseboat also impresses through its luxurious features, being equipped with a jacuzzi, a custom swimming pool, and plush lounging areas.
There seems to be plenty of outdoor space for lounging, dining, and soaking up the sun on the single superstructure deck, namely the Fly Deck. It can be accessed via external stairs and offers beautiful views of the surroundings.
Photo: Leoni Design Workshop
The equally commodious interior houses the living quarters spread across three decks. The master suite occupies the upper deck and comes complete with a personal jacuzzi, a large swimming pool, and access to the scenic outdoor wheelhouse.
The main deck of the floating home is dedicated to entertainment and conviviality both indoors and outdoors, while the lower deck is where all the machinery (tanks, lockers, and more) resides. There is also space for water toys and other vital machinery at the stern, while the bow is dedicated to mooring.
Very few details have been revealed about the performance of the catamaran on which the Cube Houseboat is based, but the designer did mention grunt would come from two propellers, each powered by a diesel engine through a reverse-reduction gearbox for "a smooth and efficient voyage."
Scientists predict that in the next decades, sea levels will rise considerably and could have significant effects on the environment and the lives of coastal populations. Ideally, humanity would find a way to prevent the rise of sea levels. But if this doesn't happen, structures like the Cube Houseboat could very well serve as alternatives to the traditional brick-and-mortar home and help transform the ocean into a habitable space.
The Cube Houseboat is part of a collection of six projects created by Leoni Design Workshop, all meant to "redefine the boundaries of yacht design." The entire collection, including a physical model of the Cube Houseboat, will be on display at an exhibition called "Beyond Horizons: A Voyage through Yacht Design," which is set to take place in Tuscany, Italy, on November 18. The other projects revealed so far include a limousine tender called Smooth and a chase boat named Edge.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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