On the north-eastern shore of the 'Haveneiland 'in Amsterdam lies the cargo boat 'De Novatie' from 1957. ANA architects have converted it to (a sailing) residential boat. The location is unique. The water plots at the Cas Oorthuyskade are, unlike the houseboats in Amsterdam's canals, intended solely for (sailing) ships with a maximum width of 6.60 meters, a length of 40 meters and a depth of 1.5 meters. These dimensions were very determinative of the type of boat the client chose. After a long search, he bought a Belgian Kempenaar with sufficient cavity.
The purchase of the right boat was very decisive for the project. After shortening, 'De Novatie' could meet the plot's dimensions and have enough cavity to realize the desired living program. It was also possible to connect the steering cabin and the cargo hold. In addition, it offered freedom for proper access to the rooms. Another vital factor for the purchase of 'De Novatie' was the ability to realize the client's sustainability ambitions.
The quality of a house on a boat
Spatiality, high quality of living and sustainability formed the starting point for the design. The client wanted a boat that would house a house in a boat, both spacious and comfortable. In response, the linear system of switched spaces that characterizes many residential boats was set aside in this design. Sight lines run over the entire boat's length and views across the different floors. A terrace created these lines of sight hung in the middle of the 4.5-meter high space. In addition, windows in the wheelhouse, portholes and a patio (access to the terrace) provide more light and sight lines. The use of materials is reticent. The design does not want to imply; it forms a background where living can occur. A concrete floor and white walls facilitate this simplicity. Oakwood multifunctional furniture draws attention and connects the different spaces.
We made clear choices for the use and layout of the different spaces in the design. The master bedroom is designed as an independent living space. It contains a pantry, bathroom, toilet, and sitting area. The kitchen is the central space in the boat and serves as the main living area. Therefore there is no traditional living room. However, you can retreat or get together in several places on the ship. The wheelhouse is an alternative living room, and the hall provides a place to sit. The children's bedrooms are designed as passenger cabins, small and functional. They are open to the multifunctional hall through a large sliding door.
Two worlds come together
An integrated development process characterizes the process; there was no clear distinction between the research, design and realization phases. The boat was handcrafted, and this made it difficult to draw. As a result, it was difficult to predict what would happen during the process, so the client, architect and builder worked together throughout the process. Designing took place even during construction. It was a challenge to find a suitable construction team for this project. Yacht construction and housing, two different worlds, had to come together.
Sustainability
This renovation gave the boat a second life. It was wholly isolated (filled with foam) to make the boat habitable. Handmade mahogany frames and double glazing replaced the existing aluminium and single glass windows. There is no gas on board. An air-water heat pump extracts heat from the air and heats the boat through low-temperature under-floor heating. PV panels are placed on the roof.
