Τα μεγάλα πλεονεκτήματα, αλλά και οι προκλήσεις των πλωτών δομών
Όταν τον Οκτώβριο χτύπησε μια σφοδρή καταιγίδα, οι κάτοικοι της πλωτής κοινότητας Schoonschip στο Άμστερνταμ ήταν σίγουροι ότι θα την αντιμετώπιζαν. Έδεσαν τα ποδήλατά τους και τα υπαίθρια παγκάκια τους, έκαναν έλεγχο με τους γείτονες ότι όλοι είχαν αρκετό φαγητό και νερό, και έμειναν μέσα στα σπίτια τους καθώς η γειτονιά τους “ γλιστρούσε” πάνω κάτω με τους ατσάλινους θεμέλιους πυλώνες της στην καταιγίδα που είχε έλθει.
“Αισθανόμαστε πιο ασφαλείς σε μια καταιγίδα επειδή επιπλέουμε”, λέει στο Yale e360, η Siti Boelen, μια Ολλανδή τηλεοπτική παραγωγός που μετακόμισε στο Schoonschip πριν από δύο χρόνια.
Καθώς η άνοδος της στάθμης της θάλασσας και οι όλο και πιο συχνές καταιγίδες προκαλούν διόγκωση των υδάτων, οι πλωτές γειτονιές προσφέρουν ένα πείραμα στην αντιπλημμυρική προστασία που θα μπορούσε να επιτρέψει στις παράκτιες κοινότητες να αντισταθούν στην κλιματική αλλαγή. Στην πυκνοκατοικημένη Ολλανδία, η ζήτηση για τέτοια σπίτια αυξάνεται.
Ένα πλωτό σπίτι μπορεί να κατασκευαστεί σε οποιαδήποτε ακτογραμμή και είναι σε θέση να αντιμετωπίσει την άνοδο της θάλασσας ή τις πλημμύρες που προκαλούνται από τη βροχή, παραμένοντας στην επιφάνεια του νερού. Στηριζόμενα σε χαλύβδινους στύλους, συνδέονται με το τοπικό αποχετευτικό σύστημα και το δίκτυο ηλεκτροδότησης. Μοιάζουν δομικά με σπίτια, αλλά στο υπόγειο, διαθέτουν ένα κύτος από σκυρόδεμα που λειτουργεί ως αντίβαρο, επιτρέποντάς τους να παραμένουν σταθερά στο νερό.
Ο Koen Olthuis, αρχιτέκτοντας που σχεδιάζει αποκλειστικά πλωτά κτίρια, λέει ότι : “σταθεροποιούνται από στύλους που σκάβονται περίπου 65 μέτρα μέσα στο έδαφος και εξοπλίζονται με υλικά που απορροφούν τους κραδασμούς για να μειώνουν την αίσθηση κίνησης από τα κύματα”.
Τα σπίτια ανεβαίνουν όταν τα νερά ανεβαίνουν και κατεβαίνουν όταν τα νερά υποχωρούν.
“Τώρα έχουμε την τεχνογνωσία να χτίσουμε πάνω στο νερό”, λέει ο Olthuis, ο οποίος έχει σχεδιάσει 300 πλωτά σπίτια, γραφεία, σχολεία και κέντρα υγείας. Πρόσθεσε ότι αυτός και οι συνάδελφοί του “δεν βλέπουν τους εαυτούς τους ως αρχιτέκτονες, αλλά ως γιατρούς της πόλης, και το νερό ως φάρμακο”.
Στο Άμστερνταμ, το οποίο έχει σχεδόν 3.000 επίσημα εγγεγραμμένα παραδοσιακά σπίτια στα κανάλια του, εκατοντάδες άνθρωποι έχουν μετακομίσει σε πλωτά σπίτια σε παραμελημένες γειτονιές.
Το Schoonschip, που σχεδιάστηκε από την ολλανδική εταιρεία Space&Matter, αποτελείται από 30 κατοικίες, οι μισές από τις οποίες είναι διπλοκατοικίες, πάνω σε ένα κανάλι σε μια πρώην βιομηχανική περιοχή. Η γειτονιά βρίσκεται σε μικρή απόσταση με πλοίο από το κέντρο του Άμστερνταμ, όπου πολλοί από τους κατοίκους εργάζονται. Τα μέλη της κοινότητας μοιράζονται σχεδόν τα πάντα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των ποδηλάτων, των αυτοκινήτων και των τροφίμων που αγοράζονται από τοπικούς αγρότες. Κάθε κτίριο λειτουργεί τη δική του αντλία θερμότητας και αφιερώνει περίπου το ένα τρίτο της οροφής του σε πράσινο και ηλιακούς συλλέκτες. Οι κάτοικοι πωλούν την πλεονάζουσα ενέργεια και στο εθνικό δίκτυο.
Οι προκλήσεις
Ωστόσο, τα πλωτά σπίτια θέτουν πολλές προκλήσεις. Ο δυνατός άνεμος και η βροχή, ή ακόμη και το πέρασμα μεγάλων κρουαζιερόπλοιων, μπορεί να τα ταρακουνήσουν. Η Siti Boelen, λέει ότι όταν μετακόμισε για πρώτη φορά, οι καταιγίδες την έκαναν να το σκεφτεί δύο φορές να ανέβει στην κουζίνα του τρίτου ορόφου. “Το νιώθεις στο στομάχι σου”, λέει, προσθέτοντας ότι από τότε το έχει συνηθίσει.
Το Ρότερνταμ, το μεγαλύτερο λιμάνι της Ευρώπης, φιλοξενεί το μεγαλύτερο πλωτό κτίριο γραφείων στον κόσμο, καθώς και μια πλωτή φάρμα όπου οι αγελάδες αρμέγονται από ρομπότ, προμηθεύοντας γαλακτοκομικά προϊόντα τα τοπικά παντοπωλεία.
Οι ολλανδικές εταιρείες που ειδικεύονται στα πλωτά κτίρια έχουν κατακλυστεί από αιτήματα κατασκευαστών από το εξωτερικό για φιλόδοξα έργα. Η ολλανδική εταιρεία τεχνολογίας Blue21, εργάζεται επί του παρόντος σε μια προτεινόμενη σειρά πλωτών νησιών στη Βαλτική Θάλασσα που θα στεγάζει 50.000 ανθρώπους και θα συνδέεται με μια ιδιωτικά χρηματοδοτούμενη υποθαλάσσια σιδηροδρομική σήραγγα 15 δισ. ευρώ, η οποία θα συνδέει το Ελσίνκι με το Ταλίν της Εσθονίας. Το έργο υποστηρίζεται από τον Φινλανδό επενδυτή και επιχειρηματία των “Angry Birds” Peter Vesterbacka.
Ο Koen Olthuis, θα επιβλέψει ακόμα την κατασκευή μιας πλωτής κοινότητας 20.000 ατόμων κοντά στην πρωτεύουσα Μάλε των Μαλδίβων. Κάτω από την επιφάνεια του νερού θα υπάρχουν τεχνητοί ύφαλοι που θα βοηθήσουν στην υποστήριξη της θαλάσσιας ζωής. Τα κτίρια θα αντλούν κρύο θαλασσινό νερό από τον πυθμένα για να βοηθούν τα συστήματα κλιματισμού.
“Δεν είναι πλέον η ιδέα ενός τρελού μάγου που χτίζει ένα πλωτό σπίτι”, λέει ο Olthuis. “Τώρα δημιουργούμε γαλάζιες πόλεις, βλέποντας το νερό ως εργαλείο”.
By Theodore Koumelis
Travel daily News
2022.Feb.15
MALE – Bison Maldives signed a contract with Dutch Docklands Maldives for the construction of the first homes in Maldives Floating City — a new, floating development of 5,000 homes being constructed in a lagoon five minutes speedboat ride from Male’.
The first houses will enable people to visit the site and get a real world look and feel for the new housing development.
Maldives Floating City uses the latest technology from the Netherlands, where engineers have already completed floating housing projects. The 5,000 housing units will be tethered to the lagoon floor, and linked together to create a safe and comfortable environment.
The first houses will be ready after Ramadan, and tours for members of the public will commence shortly afterwards. The houses are being constructed locally, to specifications designed by engineers from the Netherlands.
Bison Maldives is a major resort construction company based in Maldives. With over two decades’ experience in the construction business, Bison Maldives has built luxury resorts such as Cocoon Maldives , You & Me by Cocoon and properties for Atmosphere group as well. Abdul Majeed, Founder and Managing Director of Bison said: “Bison Maldives is delighted to be part of this ground-breaking housing project and we look forward to delivering the first houses on time.” Commenting on the contract signing, Maldives Floating City director Ibrahim Riyaz said: “We are excited to start the physical construction of Maldives Floating City, after months of painstaking legal and technical work to prepare for this world class and affordable housing development. I look forward to taking members of the public to the first houses, so they can see the project for themselves. In such an innovative development, seeing is believing.”
Bison Maldives has signed a contract with Dutch Docklands Maldives to build the first homes in Maldives Floating City.
Maldives Floating City is a new floating development of 5,000 homes. Being built in a lagoon a five-minute speedboat ride away from Male’ City, designed by Waterstudio.
Bison Maldives signed the contract for the construction of the first homes under the project on Wednesday, February 9.
Bison Maldives said the first homes will be ready after Ramadan, and tours for members of the general public will commence shortly afterwards. Offering a real world look and feel for the new housing development.
The company said the homes were being built locally, to specifications designed by Dutch engineers.
Maldives Floating City uses the latest technology the Netherlands, where engineers have already completed floating housing projects.
An illustration of Maldives Floating City.
Bison Maldives said the 5,000 homes will be tethered to the lagoon floor. And linked together to create a safe and comfortable environment.
Founder and Managing Director of Bison Maldives, Abdul Majeed said the company was delighted to be part of the ground-breaking housing project.
“Bison Maldives is delighted to be part of this ground-breaking housing project and we look forward to delivering the first homes on time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maldives Floating City’s Director Ibrahim Riyaz said they looked forward to taking members of the public to see the first homes.
“We are excited to start the physical construction of Maldives Floating City. After months of painstaking legal and technical work to prepare for this world class and affordable housing development. I look forward to taking members of the public to the first houses, so they can see the project for themselves. In such an innovative development, seeing is believing,” he said.
This floating city could help reduce climate change.
Image: Maldives Floating City (gallery)
The waterfront residences will float on a flexible grid across a 200-hectare lagoon.
Such innovative developments could prove vital in helping atoll nations, such as the Maldives, fight the impact of climate change.
Dutch company is also testing the technology in the Netherlands.
The atoll nation of Maldives is creating an innovative floating city that mitigates the effects of climate change and stays on top of rising sea levels.
The Maldives Floating City is designed by Netherlands-based Dutch Docklands and will feature thousands of waterfront residences and services floating along a flexible, functional grid across a 200-hectare lagoon.
Such a development is particularly vital for countries such as Maldives – an archipelago of 25 low-lying coral atolls in the Indian Ocean that is also the lowest-lying nation in the world.
More than 80% of the country’s land area lies at less than one metre above sea level – meaning rising sea levels and coastal erosion pose a threat to its very existence.
Inspired by nature.
Image: Maldives Floating City (gallery)
Sustainable design
Developed with the Maldives government, the first-of-its kind “island city” will be based in a warm-water lagoon just 10 minutes by boat from the capital Male and its international airport.
Dutch Docklands worked with urban planning and architecture firm Waterstudio, which is developing floating social housing in the Netherlands, to create a water-based urban grid built to evolve with the changing needs of the country.
Maldives thrives on tourism and the same coral reefs that attract holiday makers also provide the inspiration for much of the development. The hexagon-shaped floating segments are, in part, modelled on the distinctive geometry of local coral.
These are connected to a ring of barrier islands, which act as breakers below the water, thereby lessening the impact of lagoon waves and stabilizing structures on the surface.
“The Maldives Floating City does not require any land reclamation, therefore has a minimal impact on the coral reefs,” says Mohamed Nasheed, former president of the Maldives, speaker of parliament and Climate Vulnerable Forum Ambassador for Ambition.
“What’s more, giant new reefs will be grown to act as water breakers. Our adaptation to climate change mustn’t destroy nature but work with it, as the Maldives Floating City proposes. In the Maldives, we cannot stop the waves, but we can rise with them.”
Construction on the floating city is expected to start next year.
Image: Maldives Floating City (gallery)
Affordable homes
The islands’ seafaring past also influenced the design of the buildings, which will all be low-rise and face the sea.
A network of bridges, canals and docks will provide access across the various segments and connect shops, homes and services across the lagoon.
Construction is due to start in 2022 and the development will be completed in phases over the next five years – with a hospital and school eventually being built.
Renewable energy will power the city through a smart grid and homes will be priced from $250,000 in a bid to attract a wide range of buyers including local fishermen, who have called the area home for centuries.
Around 40% of the global population live within 100 kilometres of the coast.
WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas said there was an “urgent need” to protect communities from coastal hazards, such as waves, storm surge and sea level rise via multi-hazard warning systems and forecasting.
Atoll nations are even more at risk than other island-based countries, with the Maldives one of just a handful – alongside Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific – that have built societies on the coral-and-sand rims of sunken volcanoes.
The World Economic Forum, Friends of Ocean Action and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean will explore how to take bold action for a healthy, resilient and thriving seas during the Virtual Ocean Dialogues 2021 on 25-27 May.
The online event will focus on the vital importance of mainstreaming the ocean in global environment-focused forums and summits – from climate and biodiversity, to food and science.
Sales of watercraft have soared since the start of the pandemic as recreational boaters seek to escape home—and land. Here are the trending toys to inspire your next seagoing adventure.
By Mark Ellwood
Bloomberg
2021.may.13
The 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom Arkup 75.
Photographer: Craig Denis
Blame James Bond. It was the sight of Roger Moore skidding a Wet Bike over the waves in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me that piqued yacht owners’ interest in keeping more than just a tender, or small ship-to-shore shuttle, on board. Moore’s gadget morphed into the Jet Ski, a must-have for every polyester-era playboy. The Jet Ski, in turn, raised cultural expectations for what we should be able to do on—or under, or over—the water.
Billionaires such as Jeff Bezos and his new 417-foot-long project Y721—a yacht so big it needs its own yacht—plus destinations like the Four Seasons Bora Bora keep spurring new innovations. As bigger superyachts became dominant in the late 1980s, complete with roomier onboard garages, the types of toys and tenders available multiplied. Invention is “driven by charter guests,” says Chris Clifford of the yacht industry bible Onboard. “Even if Grandpa and Grandma are paying for the boat, they’ll bring their children and grandchildren, and you’ve gotta keep them amused.” Indeed, charter specialist Burgess Yachts says 84% of its clients expressed interest in toys and water sports as crucial for their next rental.
But it’s not just the world’s wealthiest who are diving in since the coronavirus pandemic started. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, U.S. powerboat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020, when 310,000 new vessels were sold, a rise of 12% from the previous year. GetMyBoat, a marine rental platform, sent 60,500 renters out on the water in 2019, rising to 178,000 last year; it expects to hit more than 1 million for 2021. That’s a lot of people potentiality looking for their first boat or an addition to an existing collection.
It makes sense: Nothing says summer like a good, socially distanced splash. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-maneuver three-cabin sailboat for your family, a two-seater Sea-Doo on steroids, or a double-decker party barge with a waterslide, here’s our roundup of the newest and hottest toys.
Parajet Paramotors soar up to 500 feet in the air.
Photographer: Steve Thomas
Thrills
Four craft for the adrenaline junkie
PARAJET PARAMOTOR VOLUTION 3
You may have wondered about these flying whizbangs after spotting one soaring along a beach in the Hamptons or Miami. The love child of a paraglider and a fan boat from the Everglades, the Parajet was dreamed up by flying enthusiast Gilo Cardozo, who wanted to share his love of aviation. Strap one on—the Volution is the sturdiest of the range—and you can soar as high as 500 feet at speeds that reach 50 mph, weather willing. (Pro tip: The air is less bumpy at sunset and sunrise.) Just book a few lessons first. $8,395
WhiteShark MixPro underwater scooter
Source: Sublue
SUBLUE WHITESHARK MIX PRO
Cousteau-inspired explorers keen to chart the depths of the oceans on film should pick up this double-propeller sea scooter. It can duck more than 130 feet below the surface, pulling a swimmer behind it at up to 6 feet per second. Better yet, fix a smartphone in the waterproof camera mount to record every moment. The scooter is designed to be used by anyone 8 or older—a detachable floater can keep kids from diving more than a few feet deep. $699
Zapata Flyride
Source: Zapata
ZAPATA FLYRIDE
Former world champ Jet Ski racer Franky Zapata founded his company more than two decades ago to devise wacky water toys like the Flyride, a narrow Jet Ski-like device that can shoot into the air on plumes of water. There’s room for two, so a parent can hop on with an adventurous kid as young as 5. (They can also use the wireless remote to curb a teen’s crazier ambitions.) With 300 horsepower, it offers a top speed of 22 mph—and a button will initiate a barrel roll. From $9,285
SEABREACHER
Think of this fish-shaped, two-seater submersible as a Sea-Doo on steroids; the enclosed pod can leap into the air and duck under the surface at up to 50 mph. It was designed by New Zealand-born boat builder Rob Innes, who considers it more like an aircraft than a watercraft, because it’s able to operate on three axes of control. With a little practice, a pilot can even do 360-degree barrel rolls while skipping across the water. The styling of the chassis adds a witty touch: Take your pick from sharks, whales, or dolphins. The company custom-builds only about two dozen of the craft each year. From $85,000
Hanse 348
Source: Premiere Marine
Chills
For casual fun, try a drone, a kayak, or your own mini pool
HANSE 348
Based on Germany’s Baltic Coast, Hanse was founded by Michael Schmidt, a former winner of the Admiral’s Cup regatta. The vessels from his company deftly combine top performance—a self-tacking jib is standard to maximize ease of handling—with smart layouts and design. It’s a combination that earned this craft the title as Cruising World’s best value sailboat two years ago. Pick between a two- and three-cabin version, and you’ll enjoy the great light and clean lines below deck. $170,800
NAVATICS MITO
A student project at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology led to this 5-year-old startup, which specializes in naval robotics. Its 7.6-pound Mito underwater drone streams footage to an app from as far away as 1,600 feet. The tethered 4K device has two 1,000-lumen headlights for visibility at depth, and four-thruster stabilization keeps the camera steady in rough currents. $1,999
A handmade Preszler canoe.
Photographer: David Benthal
TRENT PRESZLER CANOES
When Preszler inherited his father’s woodworking tools seven years ago, the avid outdoorsman spent 14 months teaching himself how to build a wooden canoe from scratch. Preszler, who’s based in Mattituck, N.Y., now juggles his day job running a winery and selling bespoke, handmade canoes to clients. Each boat, often using exotic woods such as red cedar and purpleheart, takes at least a year to complete. From $100,000
TARPON 120 FISHING KAYAK
Nimble but sturdy, this 12-foot-3-inch sit-on-top kayak with a short waterline is perfect for fishing in creeks. The American-made craft is packed with user-friendly details, including gear tracks to secure rods and accessories as well as a paddle holder on the bow to free up your hands. The self-bailing hull retains buoyancy even when waters are choppy; best of all, it’s dog-friendly. From $999
Beau Lake Rapid 14’
Source: Beau Lake
BEAU LAKE PADDLEBOARDS
With Club Monaco founder Joe Mimran among its advisers, it’s no surprise this Canadian company produces paddleboards that emphasize beauty as much as function. Made with epoxy resin and other performance materials, they’re finished with mahogany and Macassar ebony, among other options. Pair yours with the equally stylish paddles, which start at $350. From $2,950
YACHTBEACH LUXURY POOL
Avoid jellyfish stings using this pool, which has an ultrafine PVC mesh stretching almost 8 feet down into the water. The largest, superyacht-aimed option includes a 19-by-13-foot boardwalk with a comfy foam top that’s wide enough for sunbathers to linger near the swimmers. €6,799 ($8,270)
Inside the four-bedroom Arkup 75.
Source: Arkup
Frills
You don’t need a yacht to impress out on the water
ARKUP 75
The ultimate overwater bungalow, Arkup’s two-story glass-box-like villa can be permanently tethered to a dock or cruise at a leisurely 7 knots under its own power. The open-plan four-bedroom structure has 2,600 square feet of indoor living space that connects to a retractable 450-square-foot deck. Its eco-credentials are impressive: Solar panels on the roof supply power, and tanks collect and purify rainwater for drinking and bathroom use. Sadly, the prototype has already sold, but the company is building several custom projects riffing off the same design, as well as planning smaller, marginally more affordable models. From $5.5 million
PREMIER ESCALANTE PONTOON BOAT
There’s no better party venue than this 35-foot double-decker pontoon, with room for up to 20 people: A stairway turns into a slide from the upper deck straight into the water. Need we say more? The design incorporates more practical measures as well, including a hard-sided changing room/bathroom, plus a refrigerator, sink, and wine cooler. With 800 horsepower or more, the Escalante is packing as much power as some speedboats. Just make sure not to leave anyone behind. From $154,150
ROM 28
The aptly named ROM, which stands for Rebuild Ocean Motivation, will construct a boat your way at its shipyard in Aveiro, Portugal. Former technology consulting executive Jorge Martins founded the startup four years ago to bring superyacht customization to smaller craft, upgrading workaday designs in a sleeker, sportier style. When Martins unveiled this specific model in January, he promised only 20 of the eight-passenger 25-footers would be made; just 14 remain. From €230,000
The BigAir Yacht Blob isn’t as deadly as it looks, we promise.
Source: FunAir
BIGAIR YACHT BLOB
This classic lake toy was first developed in Texas from an army-surplus fuel bladder. Like a seesaw, when someone jumps onto a specific spot from a boat, the force will propel anyone sitting at the other end up to 30 feet in the air. Austin-based FunAir has reengineered the blob for use on the ocean, adding stabilizer outriggers to prevent it from turning over and an inflatable stand-off to stop anyone from bashing back into the hull after they jump. It takes only around 20 minutes to set up.$4,000
NAUTIBUOY FLOATING PLATFORMS
Countless companies produce platforms like this that can be jigsawed together to create a pontoon at the back of any vessel, be it speedboat or superyacht. The big differentiator for this British company’s offerings is the quality of construction, with drop-stitch cores and strong, durable PVC borders. NautiBuoy’s own ballast system keeps the platforms stable, and the teaklike finish is stylish and slip-resistant. Buy one to act as a parking slot for your Seabob or Jet Ski, and attach it to another for an impromptu, al fresco cocktail lounge.From €3,805
Knock yourself—or a friend—out with a Yacht Joust.
Source: FunAir
YACHT JOUST
Anyone prepping to compete on Wipeout can finesse their dueling skills with a few sessions on this inflatable platform 5 feet above the water. The lightweight batons are easy enough for kids and adults to handle. Yacht Joust can be secured almost anywhere—in a small cove or close to a beach to drum up some cheers or jeers from spectators—and packs down to the size of a carry-on bag. $8,000
AQUAGLIDE RESIDENTIAL MINI PARK 4
Install this 38-foot-long inflatable obstacle course behind your boat or lakefront home. The main appeal is a 10-foot, high-velocity slide, complete with an interior mesh floor at the bottom for safer splashing. You can also loll on the water, safe from the sun, under the roof of the Ohana lounge platform. Small decks connect the two elements, making it a cinch to hop into the splash zone. And if you want to expand your water park, other Aquaglide inflatables attach easily. $8,600
