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The Zero Emission House Boat

Giving decommissioned life boats a second use.

A Maastricht student initiative.

From waste to reuse

The challenge

Retired life boats from decommissioned cruise ships are a significant source of non-recyclable waste in the marine industry. Despite being fully functional and designed for offshore use, there is currently no use for the large number of retired boats, leaving them to rest on boat graveyards.

A green vision

Our project

These life boats can be converted into cozy tiny houses. By adding interior design, windows, insulation, and sustainable elements such as a heat pump and solar panels, these boats can provide affordable and unique housing options in the competitive Dutch housing market. These renovated boats can be rented and placed in existing grachten and house boat docks.

Truly sustainable housing

The zero-emission concept

We developed a progressive concept for utilising the open water environment for less use of resources. This includes:

Using sustainable materials exclusively
Installation of solar panels
Efficient insulation for the winter
Generating warmth with a heat pump using the water temperature

Life boat circularity

We want to provide a way of recycling GFK life boats entirely, something which is not possible traditionally.

Sustainable

Materials

All materials used should be of organic origin to ensure recyclability in the future.

Energy efficiency

The HomeHaven lifeboats contain many solutions to reduce and conserve energy. Intelligent thermal insulation is the key component for this.

Responsible development

We follow a construction process which restricts pollution as much as possible.

The Team

Students and graduates approaching the student housing crisis

Fabio Barbero

Fabio is fascinated by sustainability and technology. His knowledge in maritime environment led to a publication on Maritime Port Simulation. You can contact him in English, French, Italian, or Spanish.

Moritz Gehlhaar

Moritz is living on a sailboat himself and currently studying Data Science. His energy and passion gives this project no limits. You can contact him in German, Dutch, or English.

Simone Schouten

Simone has a lot of nautical experience and a strong background in project planning. You can contact her in Dutch, English, or German.

Want to join the initiative?

We are looking for more people from Maastricht to contribute and dedicate efforts to this truly unique project. We are waiting for you.

Send us an e-mail

Finalist

Maastricht University Challenge 2021

This year we were taking part as students at the Maastricht University Challenge, an entrepreneurial workshop series and competition. Coached by Servatius we eventually became second place in the ideation category.

Next destination: Your city?

If we caught your attention please get in contact with us.

Now you! Feel free to contact us.

We are eager to start realizing our project. If you are interested in working together, just send us a message.