The Houseboat

The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner

THE HOUSEBOAT

Mole Architects

ARCHITECTS
Mole Architects

ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK
Mike Jupe and Andy Bailey, Fineline Fabrications

MANUFACTURERS
Saint-Gobain, VELUX Group, Christchurch Timber, Dome, Dorset Glass, Haroys, Stardome

BUILDING CONTRACTOR
The Timber Frame Company, Will Bateman, Jim Blackburn

COST CONSULTANT
Orbell Associates – Tom Orbell

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Sinclair Johnston & Partners, Sinclair Johnston

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Coe Design – Jenny Coe

WEST SCREEN JOINERY
Haroys, Jeff Haroy

PHOTOGRAPHS
Rory Gardiner

AREA
221 m²

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
Poole, United Kingdom

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The Houseboat is a new house designed for developer Solidspace, located on a site overlooking Poole Harbour.

The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner

It is based upon a staggered section with a half-basement; this configuration enables an open staircase which allows a house of interconnected volumes rather than rooms- a section that Solidspace explores in all their homes.

The house is approached through the trees, and the curved form minimises the actual volume of the house. Once inside the space soars above, with living spaces perched within the two curved spaces, looking out to sea. It’s a breath-taking series of spaces.

Internal materials are exposed concrete, timber, encaustic tiles and steel. Externally the black-stained timber larch boards sit above the exposed concrete base.

The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner

The organic form of the house, together with the staggered section and spectacular site has created a house of originality and delight.

The house was conceived as two upturned hulls propped together and facing the sea. Douglas Fir ribs are propped against a concrete frame that extends up from the solid base.

The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner

The ribs in turn support curved prefabricated panels to create the external walls. A glazed west screen faces the sea. Although a simple concept, this is a complex building.

Geometries were carefully considered to make construction possible; specialist timber frame manufacturer The Timber Frame Company produced their own 3D model, and collaborated with us on the method of construction.

The concrete portal is central to the overall structural stability, as well as being an incredible sculptural presence in the house.

The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner

Solidspace worked with Mole on the interiors, with Michael Grub as lighting consultant.

The Houseboat is the result of great collaborative effort; The Timber Frame Company, Task Ltd and Solent Civil have all completed first class work on site, overseen by Rebecca Granger Architects as executive architect.


The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner
The Houseboat
© Rory Gardiner


The Houseboat
Ground Floor Plan
The Houseboat
1st Floor Plan
The Houseboat
2nd Floor Plan
The Houseboat
Site Plan


The Houseboat
Section