Primarily based in Rotterdam, structure agency Studio RAP designed a sustainable floating house, fairly appropriately named ‘The Float’. Constructed primarily from cork and timber, the interiors characteristic a smooth and zen ambiance owing to the usage of uncovered wooden, whereas the strong cork exteriors permit the house to effortlessly merge with its environment.

Designer: Studio RAP

‘Our shopper requested us to design an revolutionary and sustainable floating house alongside the picturesque canals within the historic metropolis of Leiden (NL). Our design for the primary mass is predicated on the concept the home might be a sequence of atmospheres representing capabilities of residing that on the identical time keep away from a single floating container look,’ mentioned Studio RAP.

The house principally consists of a sequence of small modules with additional panels positioned in between them after which folded to construct 3D corrugated partitions. The mesmerizing floating house is impressed by the artwork of Origami, and folded buildings. Your entire construction has been constructed utilizing Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) – a bio-based timber that was utilized as an inside end. The partitions and roof of the house had been so intricately folded, that it result in a discount of virtually 4,400 kilos of timber.

The interiors of the house are marked by timber, however the exterior is clad solely in cork. A low-density cork insulation layer is linked to a high-density cork outer layer with the assistance of a cork mortar layer. This distinctive mixture permits the partitions to breathe and ensures that the interiors are comfortable and well-regulated. The cork used is solely plant-based, imparting the house with an impressively low carbon footprint.

Studio RAP vastly employed digital methods for designing and developing The Float. All structural calculations had been completed digitally as nicely, making a cohesive digital workflow, which eliminates any issues that would come up within the later phases. Therefore they may experiment with, and check varied designs plans, and situations, and confirm their feasibility.