BMT Asia Pacific announces the development of a new series of houseboats, floating lodges and beach houses
BMT Asia Pacific (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, announced today the development of a new series of houseboats, floating lodges and beach houses, crafted from a unique egg-shaped form reclaimed from a previous project, said in the company's press release.
Featuring clean lines and smooth, organic curves, this modern and elegant structure was originally developed as a composite radome for the new landmark cruise liner terminal in Hong Kong. “The large-scale form fabricated to fulfil this contract represented a significant investment in its design, development and use of material.” said Richard Colwill, Managing Director of BMT Asia Pacific who, as project leader of the radome delivery, believed the compelling shape had the opportunity for a second life.
AP Henry Ward 2After reviewing opportunities for use of the mould’s two “half shells” which formed the egg, a series of options from swimming pools to temporary stages were examined. However, staying true to BMT’s maritime pedigree the first offerings are to be waterborne and coastal structures.
Designed by Richard Colwill and Henry Ward of Henry Ward Design, the first models of in the ‘Sea-Suite’ series illustrate the flexibility of the form:
A floating lodgetaking form of the mould’s original shape with dimensions of 18m long, by 12m wide by 8m high provides a fantastic volume in which a stunning two bedroom home has been created. Expansive but shaded windows flood the 6m high lounge with light from either side, while decking creates easy access to the water. The luxury space is envisaged as easily at home along lake or river side, or a part of a cluster hotel/studio development.
The high levels of roof insulation, moderation of temperature from its water setting and potential addition of solar panels to the expansive roof creates a sustainable unit for all climates.
Taking the concept a step further the design team “cracked the egg” raising and separating the top shell, which has been sculpted to form a terracotta roof edged with flowing curves. This created an airy loft style houseboat with stepped mezzanine levels leading up to a master bedroom, featuring expansive views through full height windows. This houseboat was designed asymmetrically with a “front of house” shielding the private rear terrace, reached from the lounge which offers open views from study, kitchen, “snug” and dining areas. Additional cabins provide significant accommodation for families and guests, while a secluded roof deck allows sunbathing or stargazing alike.
AP Henry Ward 3Richard Colwill noted: “In the same way that an egg provides a flexible base for many recipes, we see countless opportunities in the development of this design for private or commercial use. The familiar, yet innovate form could be readily deployed along river and coastal sites, and a beach house variant has even been developed. We look forward to working with individuals and companies on the deployment of our firsts units, and are sure that the variety of applications ultimately created will significantly expand upon our preliminary designs.
Henry Ward added: “This form maximises internal volume for surface area and creates a series of attractive shapes and spaces, but is also readily transportable to almost any site accessible by sea. We’ve just scraped the surface of the design flexibility available, from individual houseboat and lakeland lodge to resort cabin, marina office, beach house, and even art galleries and other novel commercial spaces.”