Living near the water is a dream for many, but living on the water is something special. In this episode of Västra Hamnen – Husdrömmar, Anna and Sebastian have taken the plunge and realized their dream of a unique home on a houseboat. In this blog post, we follow their journey from concept to completion and how they managed to create a safe, modern and inspiring home that floats on the waves of the sea.
Table of contents
A vision by the water
Anna and Sebastian dreamed of creating a home that not only offered proximity to the sea but was actually part of the sea. After living in Västra Hamnen and being fascinated by the area’s houseboats, the idea of building their own emerged. However, they wanted to create something unique – a home that combined safety, functionality and aesthetics. The vision was a two-storey houseboat built on an upgraded floating pontoon, adapted for family life close to nature.
From dream to reality
The journey from vision to reality was far from straightforward. Unable to take out a loan to finance the project, Sebastian sold his sailboat and Anna contributed by selling her apartment. Construction was scheduled to start in the summer, with the aim of moving in before the birth of their son Benjamin. They worked with architect and builder Kenton Neuls, whom they unexpectedly found through Blocket – a meeting that proved crucial to the project’s completion.
Challenges and solutions
The construction process presented several challenges. Anchoring the pontoon to the seabed was significantly more time-consuming and costly than anticipated, as it required two heavy steel piles to be driven through the seabed into the limestone rock to ensure stability. In addition, weather conditions and logistical problems contributed to delays and increased costs. Despite the setbacks, Anna and Sebastian stuck to their dream and found creative solutions to keep the project going.
Material selection and construction techniques
One of the most innovative features of the project was the use of the Sandwich method to build the walls of the house. This method involves attaching magnesium oxide sheets to either side of a Styrofoam core, resulting in a structure that is light, strong, water- and fire-resistant. The combination of these materials made the house durable and energy efficient. The houseboat is heated by an air source heat pump, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective – something that fits in with Västra Hamnen’s modern and sustainable profile.
Family life on the water
Living on a houseboat requires a high level of safety, especially when you have small children. Anna and Sebastian have therefore planned the house with children in mind. Bedrooms and playrooms are located on the lower deck, close to the water but protected by safe railings and robust construction. To further enhance safety, they have chosen large and open spaces where the family can socialize, while the design allows for privacy when needed.
Despite the challenges of the project, the couple have managed to create a home that reflects their personality – open, welcoming and yet private. Living so centrally and being exposed to the prying eyes of passers-by has been solved with thoughtful window placements and interior design choices that balance views and privacy.
Facts about the house
Location: Västra Hamnen, Malmö
Living space: 136 m²
Construction start: Summer 2014
Estimated occupancy: Spring 2015
Budget: 1.5 million SEK (final cost close to 2 million)
Closure
Anna and Sebastian’s journey shows that it takes both courage and creativity to dare to invest in a different kind of home. Their project is a reminder that dream homes don’t have to follow traditional templates – with the right choice of materials, careful planning and passion, you can create a home that reflects both function and personality.
