Floating Houses in IJburg, Amsterdam

Floating Houses in IJburg, Amsterdam — IJburg is a neighbourhood in the capital of the Netherlands that is fascinating from an architectural perspective. It was raised on a surface reclaimed from the water only a few years ago. Today, this neighbourhood comprises three artificial islands, Steigereiland, Haveneiland, and Rieteilanden, located on Lake IJmeer, east of the Dutch city. Bridges interconnect the islands, and IJburg is a quarter of an hour by tram from Central Station.

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Floating housing in Ijburg

Today, it houses 18,000 apartments and about 45,000 inhabitants. The project was designed by the Marlies Rohmer studio of architects and urban planning. IJburg is a residential neighbourhood located in the Amsterdam-Oost area, and the houseboats are placed on Lake IJ, which is also home to a series of artificial islands.

Ijburg housing is a gem of engineering. Without a doubt, the visit will be surprising from beginning to end. Stroll through its streets and contemplate how the human genius has gained ground on the water, a picturesque place to relax. At the same time, one walks through a unique and original area—ideal for spending a pleasant life in the Amsterdam boat homes.

The Netherlands has houses on water

The houses are built in a shipyard 70km away and then transported by water with the help of two barges to their final position. That is why its width is limited; it must be adapted to the width of the channels and bridges crossed along the way. Once in place, they are stabilised so that their users hardly notice the sea movement. As for the boat, it is tied to two piles anchored in the subsoil, so the sea's movement does not affect it. In addition, the house must evenly distribute the weight of the interior elements to allow horizontality.

First Photo / Archdaily.com

Photo / Source: Archdaily.com

Floating Amsterdam

There are many designs around the world, but the fact that two-thirds of the Netherlands is below sea level makes it a pioneer in this type of architecture. In Amsterdam, the Ijburg housing neighbourhood stands out, with almost one hundred houseboats, shops, restaurants, and even schools. They are like a set of artificial islands on concrete bases; they have three floors, and you can walk between them through different walkways.

Netherlands floating houses on the water: In the Netherlands, floating houses are built on the water and equipped with a built-in motor for those who want to change the scene. It has a modular design that allows us to customise it to our liking and be completely self-sufficient, with photovoltaic panels, a water treatment station, and a waste treatment tank.