The modern lifestyle of consumers is changing in a variety of ways and the need for energy efficient homes is becoming a necessary aspect, so the 'Self-Catering Houseboat' is here to potentially offer a solution.
Created in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (IVI) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), the 'Self-Catering Houseboat' is designed to produce potable water for the inhabitants and even create its own electricity. This would eliminate the need for the energy efficient home to be hooked up to water and power supplies to be almost totally self-sufficient (hence the name).
The 'Self-Catering Houseboat' is hoped to be utilized in Germany at Lake Geierswalde, where there is a surplus of lake area to be lived on if a suitable houseboat design is created.
Self-Sufficient Floating Homes
This Energy Efficient Home Design Takes to Water for Living
Trend Themes
1. Self-sufficient Floating Homes - The trend towards self-sufficiency in home design has now moved to water with the development of energy efficient and self-sustaining houseboats.
2. Energy Efficient Home Design - The need for energy efficiency and sustainability has led to the development of self-sufficient houseboats, offering new opportunities in floating living.
3. Off-grid Living - The Self-Catering Houseboat reflects a growing trend towards off-grid living, creating opportunities for innovation in renewable energy and sustainable water systems.
Industry Implications
1. Homebuilding and Construction - The move towards self-sufficient living spaces presents opportunities for homebuilding and construction companies to create sustainable, energy efficient and transportable housing options.
2. Maritime and Shipping - The advent of sustainable self-sufficient houseboats provides opportunities for companies in the Maritime and Shipping industry to explore alternative uses of the waterways and expand their offering to customers.
3. Renewable Energy - The need for self-contained water and electricity systems in self-sufficient houseboats offers opportunities for innovation in the renewable energy industry, particularly in the development of small-scale, transportable options.