Site : an island on the Thames with height restrictions both at the upper and lower levels due to the high risk of flooding. The site was only 6x8m and in order to make a 3 bedroom house it was necessary to have two floors. In order to build lower than the environmental agency required, we built the house as a boat so that in the event of flooding, it had the ability both to be flood resistant and if necessary 'float'. There was no road access so construction took place on a pontoon and deliveries were made via river crossing. The foundations are designed as a pontoon of a boat sitting on four load points on the corners. The services can be disconnected easily and there is a gate that folds up to protect the front glazing. There are 2 anchor points to stop the house floating away! The architecture was not compromised and a lightweight, contemporary design was built that maximised the owners' connection both to the river and to the sky. The house feels spacious and light at all times.