BBVH overhauls belgian barge into airy amsterdam houseboat

BBVH overhauls belgian barge into airy amsterdam houseboat
image © luuk kramer
all images courtesy of BBVH

dutch firm BBVH architects have transformed a belgian barge into a light-filled houseboat in amsterdam. the 40m long vessel, after just retiring from a long life of hauling freight over the european rivers, its owners; artist laura and restaurant owner john, wanted the ship to remain navigable, so decided not to demolish or refurbish the steering hut, deckhouse or machine room.the architects’ main concern was letting enough light through to the interior, while still maintaining the safety and certification aspects of the ship. to avoid a sense of gloominess, often associated with traditional houseboats, a large patio and 18 over-sized bronze portholes were introduced. the enclosed courtyard consists of an outdoor bathtub and a pear tree – it is also a safe area for the kids to to play outside without the risk of them falling overboard.

the outdoor patio and pear tree
image © luuk kramer

besides the certified portholes, no incisions were made to the hull of the ship, while the cargo hold’s steel interior was insulated with 10 centimeters of foam and covered with light-colored plywood. the entrance into the house is via another, smaller patio just in front of the steering hut.

view to the entrance from the kitchen
image © luuk kramer

measuring 5×30 meters with a ceiling of 3.2m, the cargo hold offers an unusual amount of space for the center of amsterdam and is able to fit all the necessary programs. the shipmate’s small hut at the front of the boat has been re-appropriated as the children’s room, and the master bedroom is located further along the corridor, connected directly to the outdoor patio. furthermore the deckhouse and steering hut have been restored as an independent apartment that can be rented out separately.

view from the entrance looking back to the kitchen
image © luuk kramer

kitchen
image © luuk kramer

the patio connecting to the bedroom
image © luuk kramer 

kitchen with nautical windows
image © luuk kramer

children’s room
image © luuk kramer

bathroom
image © luuk kramer

the restored captain’s house
image © luuk kramer

drawings

project info:

program: houseboat borneokade amsterdam
architect: BBVH architects rotterdam
team BBVH: joris van hoytema, jelle baars
photography: luuk kramer

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