Fàng Sōng, a solar-powered tiny houseboat, has emerged as an innovative transformation project by Beijing architecture studio Crossboundaries. Repurposing the client’s existing houseboat, the 60-square-meter structure represents a dynamic fusion of adaptability and sustainable design. Moored in the serene waters of Berlin, the boat boasts a series of interlinked spaces that have been skillfully optimized to offer a comfortable and versatile living experience.
The essence of the Fàng Sōng project embodies a comprehensive makeover strategy, aiming to maximize the boat’s potential while retaining its inherent characteristics. Binke Lenhardt, co-founder of Crossboundaries, emphasized the importance of maintaining ample natural light, revamping the functional yet uninspiring bathroom, and facilitating the possibility of both short and extended journeys within Germany and Europe. With plenty of space for up to two residents and occasional guests, the boat presents itself as an idyllic retreat for replenishment and a warm sanctuary for intimate gatherings.
Functioning as a vessel for both exploration and habitation, Fàng Sōng possesses the ability to travel up to 50 kilometers per day, relying solely on its solar-powered capabilities. The integrated solar panels, spanning the boat’s entire roof and supplemented by additional panels on each side, ensure self-sufficiency during the sunnier months from March to November. Achieving an average speed of seven kilometers per hour on sunlit days, the boat stands as a testament to eco-friendly living and sustainable travel.
Crossboundaries’ strategic approach to spatial design within the boat has resulted in a range of multifunctional elements that enable seamless transitions between different living zones. Adorned with waterproof rubber flooring and plywood furnishings, the interior spaces exude a harmonious blend of practicality and elegance. The consistent red and yellow color palette, inspired by Chinese imperial hues and reflecting the client’s fond memories of Beijing, infuses a distinctive warmth and vibrancy throughout the boat’s aesthetic.
In the living area, a fold-out bed cleverly concealed within a partition wall, combined with a versatile sofa, optimizes the available space. The integration of a floor panel as an underfloor bike storage unit and a concealed sliding door ensures an uncluttered and efficient living environment. The kitchen, adorned with red cabinets and a flexible dining table, embodies a clever balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal. A spacious bathroom featuring yellow tiles and a homely dining space complete the boat’s interior, offering a seamless blend of comfort and practicality.
Fàng Sōng’s exterior deck, furnished with a long sofa adorned with patterns collected by the client during her travels, serves as an inviting outdoor space, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding water. In the context of recent architectural trends, Fàng Sōng aligns with a broader exploration of innovative houseboat design, combining practical living solutions with sustainable initiatives, as showcased by several other projects featured on renowned design platforms. As an embodiment of sustainable living and versatile design, Fàng Sōng stands as a testament to the potential of creative architectural transformations in the realm of water-bound living spaces.
Photos by by Johanna Link (https://www.johannalink.com/).