Water World.

Herman Hertzberger's prototype for a floating house exploits the watery landscape of The Netherlands, but also has a wider relevance.

Throughout history, the idea of living on water has exuded a strong romantic and pragmatic appeal. The waterlogged topography of the Netherlands has given rise to a great tradition of idiosyncratic houseboats. Yet such structures are inevitably constrained by scale and function rarely rising to more than a single-story structure attached to a floating barge.

Since the mid 80s Herman Hertzberger's studio has been experimenting with the concept of a large scale floating villa that could be mass produced to create waterborne suburbs. A floating house has the principal advantage of mobility, enabling it to exploit views privacy and more particularly sunlight with consequent energy consumption advantage. Recently the town of Middleburg commissioned Hertzberger to consolidate his proposals for a prototypical water house that will initially serve as an information centre for a new district. De veersche Port. This will consist of 10 floating villas moored in a take set in partland and could act as a model for future similar developments.

The house is based on a floatation system supporting various living spaces arranged around a central void Living rooms and kitchen are located on the first floor with bedroom and entrance hall just above water level. The roof can also serve as a planted garden. However plans can be adapted to suit individual preferences.

Structure is a steel skeleton with concrete floors. The external skin is made up of insulated box-like steel compartment glad in lightweight metal panels which can be prefabricated off-site Photovoltaic panels can also be incorporated as required. The floatation system comprises three interconnected steel pipes 2m in diameter arranged in a triangle. The buoyancy of the pipes is such that if one leaks or fails the house can still be supported on the two remaining floatation components. The 18mm thick steel pipes have a highly durable protective finish rendering them virtually maintenance free. Construction is expected to take only around four months because of the high level of prefabricator.

By revolving to a maximum of 90 degrees the house can track the path of the sun. This is achieved initially by means of a manual winch but eventually through a computer-controlled automatic mechanism. Winch cables also help to moor the structure in position and resist strong cross winds. A concrete pipe and 8m long gangway connects the house with dry land anchors the floating structure in position. (By being permanently attached to the shore, the house car also be considered an immovable property for the purposes of obtaining a mortgage.) Using industrial and maritime technologies in the best Modernist tradition Hertzberger has devised an inventive and environmentally responsive solution to the challenge of mass housing.