Italian architect designs eco-friendly floating home

An Italian architect, Giancarlo Zema, has designed a new eco-friendly floating home. Called WaterNest 100, it is a circular structure that provides 100 sq. metres (1,076 sq.feet) of living space. Up to 98 per cent of the structure is made of recycled materials and it is powered by a rooftop solar array.

Giancarlo is, in fact, no stranger to designing innovative aquatic residences. His previous concepts include the Trilobis-65 yacht-cum-home, a semi-submerged cliff-side dwelling and a five-level floating apartment block. 

The inspiration for WaterNest came to him from observing the aquatic nests of water birds all over the world where they can live and rear their babies in total harmony with nature, explains Giancarlo.

WaterNest 100 is designed for being moved on lakes, bays, atolls and calm seas. The curved structure is 12 metres (39 feet) in diameter and 4 metres (13 feet) high. It has a recycled aluminium hull, a laminated wooden supporting frame, and curved wooden cladding and partition walls that are treated for water resistance Electricity is generated via a 60 sq. metre (646 sq. ft.) solar array that is integrated into the roof of the structure. Amorphous solar panels are used, which are shaped to match the curve of the building’s roof. 

In addition, a micro-ventilation system is employed with ceiling and floor coir grilles allowing for the introduction of fresh air to the interiors. EcoFloLife, the London-based developer of the project, says an automated temperature control system ensures very low energy consumption and minimal amount of maintenance.

The interior of WaterNest 100 can be configured in a variety of ways, each generally incorporating a central square space and accommodating up to a family of four in two bedrooms. Besides being used as a residential unit, it is possible to set it up as an office, lounge bar, restaurant, shop or exhibition space. A home automation system allows users to control lighting, draw curtains and blinds, and control the sound system. Pre-set lighting, air-conditioning and sound profiles can be triggered, and users can monitor energy consumption and temperature.