The CRUNCH Miami research team and a group of graduate architectuire students from FIU’s School of Architecture toured the first floating house from Arkup and met with co-founder Nicolas Derouin on Star Island in Miami Beach.

The sustainable floating house produces its own energy and harvests its own water. This first built example of the Arkup concept features a luxury home for a single family. However, Nicolas has plans to repurpose the modular house to be multi-family and imagines the house as part of floating communities.

The structure and anchoring system are designed to resist high winds and hurricane force winds (up to 156 mph | 250 km/h – Category 4.) The vessel can be completely lifted out of the water to safe guard from storm surge. Hurricanes are predictable storm events allowing enough time for owners to sail to a safe harbor or a protected area.

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

The smart communications system including satellite TV and WI-FI antennas, LTE and VHF to stay connected at all times.

SOLAR PANELS

The 2,300 sqft roof is covered with 36 kW solar electric panels which generate sufficient green energy to live off-the-grid.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Rainwater is collected from the roof, then stored in the hull and purified to ensure fresh water full-autonomy.

MMS CONSOLE

Allows to easily navigate and manage the jack-up operating system, ballasts, battery and tanks capacities.

MODULAR HULL

The hull accomodates separate technical rooms for hydraulic, electrical and water-related equipments, and storage room.

ELECTRIC THRUSTERS

Two noise-free electric thrusters of 136 hp each rotate 180° for the best  maneuver-ability propel the yacht up to 7 knots.

HYDRAULIC SPUDS

The four 40ft long hydraulic legs allow to anchor in up to 20ft water depths and lift the livable yacht above the sea-level.

SLIDING DECK

The 456 sqft retractable terrace adds plenty of outdoor space and is surrounded by shock resistant glass railings.

BOAT LIFT | BATHING PLATFORM

A boat lift is located at the stern to easily dock your tender or jet ski. The sun deck can be immersed, turning into a sea pool.