marina oolderhuuske

Following intense flooding in 1993 and 1995, a series of experiments with floating architecture began in the Netherlands. Fifteen sites along Dutch rivers were designated as Experimenteren Met Aangepast Bouwen sites, where novel flood mitigation strategies could be tried and observed.

Marina Oolderhuuske is the result of one of these experiments. It was constructed in 1996, and was one of the first modern aquatic developments in the Netherlands. The community consists of 80 floating homes on the banks of the Meuse River. The houses are designated as vacation homes, which have less stringent restrictions than primary residences and are therefore allowed to be constructed as aquatic.

These homes are built on concrete barges, which allow them float and the interiors of which are also used for storage space and to house the buildings’ mechanical equipment. Between each pair of homes, two large guidance posts extend 5 meters above the average water level, mooring the homes in place and allowing them to adjust to fluctuating water levels. Flexible utility lines also run down between each pair of homes, providing utilities even when the houses move.

The building’s made in 1996 were permanently floating, but more recently amphibious houses have been constructed in the community as well.

Since their construction, the marina has flooded multiple times causing damage to the neighboring conventional buildings. However, the floating homes have risen with the floodwaters without issue.