Only a Tip of an Iceberg

Holiday cottages are a usual fixture of the Åland Islands. By the word “usual” I mean that the cottages are situated on the ground. This one is different – it is floating on water.

The client Ålands Hotell & Restaurangskola wanted to enhance the concept of a cottage to attract more tourists during the summer months and asked Daniel Andersson to come up with a few fresh ideas. He created the Iceberg House.

Approximately two thirds of the house is underwater, which provides great insulation, hence no heating or cooling necessary. Fresh water and electricity comes from the mainland through specially connected pipes. Underfloor pontoons are keeping the iceberg house straight.

A big downside is that the houses (if ever built) would have to be removed prior to winter because they’d get crushed by the ice. This concept would work lovely here in Britain – our seas never freeze; and coupled with an underwater heat pump, these iceberg houses would possibly prove practical.

It is not the first time an architect tries to re-enact Kevin Costner’s “Waterworld”. Is living on the water a solution to overpopulation and flooding?  

Related

1. Highlights of the Big Green Home Show 2010

2 Responses to “Only a Tip of an Iceberg”

1. Green-Home says:

   September 15, 2010 at 5:23 pm

   Wow I have never seen anything like that before! Makes the land in northern Canada seem a little more valuable
2. Pontons says:

   January 12, 2011 at 8:57 am

   Thank you very much! We rent Pontoons in europe, and Iceberg House ist a great suggestion for our clients! We contact you later for more information. Regards
   Jim