Houseboats For Commercial Application
In recent years, the concept of utilising houseboats for commercial purposes has gained significant interest. The attraction of unique waterfront locations, combined with the flexibility of a floating space, has inspired business owners to explore innovative ventures such as floating cafes, restaurants, gyms, studios, and offices. The commercial use of houseboats is a relatively new concept in the UK, but it is rapidly demonstrating its viability as a profitable and sound business strategy.
Floating commercial spaces offer customers an unparalleled experience. Sipping coffee in a floating café or working out in a gym surrounded by the soothing sounds of water, provides a refreshing escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Whether located in a quiet waterfront location or a busy city centre, floating commercial spaces create an atmosphere that traditional land-based venues simply cannot replicate.
The shopping experience in floating retail spaces is equally unique. From floating boutiques to artisan craft shops, the possibilities are endless, allowing shoppers to browse in a unique on water environment.
For artists and musicians, floating houseboats designed as studios offer an inspiring setting for creativity and exhibitions with the ever-changing backdrop of water and sky. These floating spaces also provide an ideal venue for well-being meditation, fitness, or yoga classes.
One of the key advantages of utilising houseboats for commercial purposes is their mobility as businesses can easily move the houseboat to a new nearby location if required. Commercial Houseboats can also be equipped with eco-friendly off-grid features such as solar power, water makers, onboard treatment plans for waste management and are built using sustainable materials, making them especially appealing to environmentally conscious businesses and the public alike.
Exploring the concept of commercial houseboats is an exciting opportunity. By engaging early with local authorities, businesses can ensure compliance with safety standards, waste management protocols, and environmental guidelines. Now, with the option for RCD compliance, our houseboats can also be classified as vessels, opening up broader possibilities for their operation and mobility.
The Bluefield Solution
At Bluefield Houseboats, we've developed three unique commercial floating spaces to date. A floating hotel room, based on our C310 houseboat, was designed for a client needing extra on-site accommodation without using additional land. The benefits are clear: guests enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience, with surrounding water and scenic views enhancing relaxation and well-being, while the novelty of staying on water adds an element of excitement, offering guests a memorable and unique stay.
Our second project involves designing and manufacturing a floating changing facility for a marina in southern England. With limited land space available, the marina commissioned Bluefield to design a floating changing area for guests and visitors. This floating facility offers unparalleled convenience and easy access for marina patrons, making it an essential addition to any waterfront destination. By utilising their water space, this alleviates the pressure on limited land resources. The innovative design offers modern and comfortable facilities, while adding a visually striking element to the marina, enhancing its overall attractiveness to patrons and tourists alike.
Finally, our floating office space offers a unique and flexible working environment with stunning waterfront views that boost employee productivity and creativity. Built using our unique modular system, this floating office can be customised to suit various business needs, maximising limited land space, especially in urban areas. As they are mobile, this allows businesses to relocate easily if needed. Off grid options are also available, combined with our energy efficient designs using sustainable materials. With low environmental impact and a distinctive aesthetic, Bluefield’s floating office really redefines modern workspaces.
Bluefield Houseboats offers a complete range of commercial houseboats which can be tailored for most applications. We will design the floating commercial unit to your specification and can provide guidance and drawings to assist with planning applications. We believe the commercial use of houseboats represents a novel and exciting opportunity for businesses who want to be at the forefront of innovation as they offer a unique and immersive experience for both businesses and their customers.