A peek inside the US$6 million floating home that can withstand a hurricane
Start-up Arkup says the solar-panelled four-bedroom property – as mobile as a normal yacht – is part of plans for floating communities and resorts
When the housing start-up Arkup revealed its plan to build a floating, hurricane-proof yacht in 2017, South Florida had just witnessed the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, a Category 4 storm that destroyed hundreds of homes.
The company’s models were designed to weather a storm of that magnitude, but it has taken another two years before one has become a reality.
In February, Arkup unveiled its first floating residence at a yacht show in Miami. Climatologists have pointed to the city as one of the areas most vulnerable to climate change.
The price tag for a fully furnished residence is steep – about US$6 million – but Arkup has plans to deliver smaller, more affordable units down the line.
We wanted to provide the next generation of floating homes or house boats that would be self-sufficient, sustainable and also mobile
The company is accepting offers on its first model, as well as future models that have yet to be built.
For now, the yacht’s solar-powered roofs and hydraulic anchoring system come at a high cost. Its sleek designs also cater to luxury clients who often prefer to live on or near the water.
Take a look inside Arkup's first floating home.
As a long-time Miami resident, Arnaud Luguet, co-founder of Arkup, noticed that local authorities were struggling to prepare for the effects of climate change.
