What's to stop us from applying the new flexibility of work to our living and lifestyle choices? Exactly—nothing really. And there are certainly plenty of exciting ideas to explore. Consider this: remote work and the ability to work 100 percent from anywhere have made life more flexible. This extends to where you choose to live. Living in Paris while working for an office in Cologne? No problem at all. Joining Frankfurt meetings while overlooking the Mediterranean? Why not. Even the idea of forgoing a fixed residence entirely, traveling the world while maintaining your career, no longer seems far-fetched. Much of what seemed impossible not long ago now appears entirely feasible—especially given the compelling solutions now available to make the dream of location independence a reality. One such solution comes from the Netherlands, specifically from Cruising Home, a company whose houseboats unite living, working, and travel under one roof. With that certain something, if you wish.

Cruising Home's Traveller Class, for instance, is a residential, office, and travel vessel with the look and feel of a floating penthouse. Behind the 100 percent recyclable steel hull and expansive mirrored glass surfaces—which provide privacy at every harbor—lies a true marvel of spatial design. This is especially true given the full-height basement and generously proportioned living area spanning two levels with ample storage. While the main deck houses the living, sleeping, bathroom, and combined living-dining areas, the lower deck accommodates a 25 m² cabin with two large panoramic windows, accessible from the living space via a staircase. This space is ideally suited as a reading room, lounge, or children's cabin. Living comfort throughout the vessel is ensured by double glazing, parquet flooring with radiant heating, a spacious built-in kitchen, and a fully equipped bathroom. All interior finishes are built to robust standards and allow room for personal furnishings.

Mobile offices are also possible, operated with tax advantages. The 15-meter Traveller Class accommodates up to ten workstations—equipped with smartphones, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and professional event technology. To ensure secure docking at any harbor, the vessel can be outfitted with specialized systems like the DockSense Control System, which functions like a parking assist for automobiles. Whether inland waterways, rivers, or coastal regions—these residential and office vessels are suited for diverse operational areas, while their distinctive hull design with V-bow and wave tunnel ensures safe and comfortable voyaging.

www.marina-duesseldorf.de

www.cruisinghome.de

Photos:
Marina Düsseldorf

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|24)