A former cargo ship which resides on Amsterdam’s canals has been turned into a luxury houseboat.

Stunning images show the ship in its former life, while others show the new and improved version, with its new sparkling interior.

The white-walled and wood-panelled hallway leads to a similarly designed kitchen and bedrooms.

The Kempenaar boat from 1957, De Novatie, was converted by Dutch architects ANA to a sailing residential ship.


(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

Although there is no living room, there are several living areas where people can relax including the wheelhouse.

‘Spatiality, high quality of living and sustainability formed the starting point for the design,’ said a spokesperson ANA.

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

‘The client wanted a ship that would house a house in a ship; spacious and comfortable. In response, the linear system of switched spaces that characterizes many residential ships was set aside in this design.



‘Sight lines run over the entire length of the ship and there are views across the different floors. These lines of sight were created by a terrace that was hung in the middle of the 4.5-meter-high space and fill the construction with glass.

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

‘In addition, windows in the wheelhouse, portholes and a patio (access to the terrace) provide more light and sightlines. The use of material is reticent. The design does not want to imply, it forms a background to which living can take place.

‘A concrete floor, white walls facilitate this simplicity. At the same time, oak wood multifunctional furniture draws attention and connects the different spaces.’

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

The master bedroom functions as an independent living space and includes a pantry, bathroom, toilet and a sitting area.

The kitchen sits at the core of the ship and provides a direct connection to the main living area. The wheelhouse acts as an alternative living room, which fits the overall concept of creating several seating areas throughout the interior.

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

The spokesperson continued: ‘In the design clear choices for the use and layout of the different spaces where made.

‘The bedrooms of the children are designed as passenger cabins; small and functional. They are open to the multifunctional hall through a large sliding door.’

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

They said the renovation gave the ship a ‘second life’ – and to make it habitable it was completely isolated.

‘The existing aluminium and single glass windows were replaced by handmade mahogany frames and double glazing,’ they added.

(Picture: Luuk Kramer / ANA / mediadrumworld.com)

‘There is no gas on board. An air-water heat pump extracts heat from the air and heats the ship through low-temperature under floor heating. PV-panels will be placed on the roof.’

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