Houseboat for pianist

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

The proposition of this houseboat is a draft part of the urbanistic solution for Veslařský ostrov that belongs under the catchment area of Praha Podolí. The wooden pier that is floating on the level of river Vltava is the base of this draft. Due to this pier, island can be accessed by two ways – from Podolská vodárna and from Žluté lázně. Buildings of boating club and shipyards are designed to be connected by glass construction that can be used as storage room for rowboats and workshop. Due to this solution, unfavourable garages spreading all around the island will disappear what can make this place more attractive. Glassy transparent look of the buildings gives opportunity for the public to see the casual day of the boating club. The granite tribune of this island is preserved and wooden sheathing will be added for the higher comfort of spectators. The north part of the island will be the relax zone made of larch wood where people can have a picnic of practise a yoga for example.
Such a houseboat makes this place alluring for the public as its main intention is to attracts people from the centre of Prague to the nature of this island. It is not only a place for doing a sport, but also to find inner peace and listen to the sounds of a pianoplayer. Even the needs of experienced pianist are granted as there is an unconventional, modern space with dimensions of 13,5m x 10m. The piano outline was the main inspiration of the whole face of this houseboat. Piano can be moved outside for the live performances. Alternatively, an interior can be opened by moving out the glass frames.
The white design of this building is supported by light coloured wood. Access is provided by movable footbridge mouthed to the terrace with the roof full of plants that provides kind of privacy of the visitors. Roof of the houseboat consists of terrace that can be accessed by staircase hidden in outside part of this building.
From the structural point of view, the whole building is floating on pontoons made of reinforced concrete. Wastewater treatment plant is located in these pontoons that leads away water into river Vltava and further, it filtrates the water from river for flushing and washing. Also, there is a reservoir for drinking water that is secured by water supply directly from the island. Heat pump secures the water temperature based on water to water system and with air recuperation. Solar cells provide energy self-sufficiency for the whole houseboat during the whole year except winter. If the conditions are not suitable, it might be connected to the electricity power.

Project description

The needs of experienced pianist are granted as there is an unconventional, modern space with dimensions of 13,5m x 10m. The piano outline was the main inspiration of the whole face of this houseboat. Piano can be moved outside for the live performances. Alternatively, an interior can be opened by moving out the glass frames.
The white design of this building is supported by light coloured wood. Access is provided by movable footbridge mouthed to the terrace with the roof full of plants that provides kind of privacy of the visitors. Roof of the houseboat consists of terrace that can be accessed by staircase hidden in outside part of this building.

Technical information

From the structural point of view, the whole building is floating on pontoons made of reinforced concrete. Wastewater treatment plant is located in these pontoons that leads away water into river Vltava and further, it filtrates the water from river for flushing and washing. Also, there is a reservoir for drinking water that is secured by water supply directly from the island. Heat pump secures the water temperature based on water to water system and with air recuperation. Solar cells provide energy self-sufficiency for the whole houseboat during the whole year except winter. If the conditions are not suitable, it might be connected to the electricity power.

Documentation

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