The Houseboat
This award winning unique building has a poured concrete core at its heart that supports the internally exposed Douglas fir primary frame. The arrayed portal frame timbers are connected with housed steel plates and recessed stainless steel bolts with housed ‘pig’ nuts and span from floor slab to central core at their apex. The perimeter sheathed panels to the walls and roof use CNC shaped ply rims to maintain the curved geometry.
The split level floors use steel beams and conventional timber joists that span between the primary frames and concrete core structure. Sustainable timber materials were used throughout, the Douglas fir was sourced from within the UK, the wall and roof panels were filled with warmcel (recycled paper) insulation. The sea facing elevations use robust, locally made bespoke joinery that provide lots of light and fantastic views. TFCo worked closely with the client as a member of the design and build team providing the design, supply and installation of the superstructure. All of the timber elements were constructed offsite very carefully to meet the required accuracy needed to maintain the faceted and curved geometry efficiently throughout.
Architect – Mole Architects
Structural Engineer- Solent Civil
Client – Roger Zogolovitch (Solid Space)
Awards: Stephen Lawrence Prize 2017, RIBA South West Awards 2017
