HIMACS for the surfaces of a Dutch houseboat

A symbol of the city, houseboats represent an intriguing alternative way of living. Originally, old barges and traditional boats were converted into homes in the post-war period to address the housing shortage. Over time, however, purpose-built solutions emerged, such as the so-called “arks”, newly designed floating homes characterised by horizontally developed layouts, large panoramic windows and a geometric, essential architectural language.

It is precisely within one of these unique floating homes that bespoke Dutch furniture specialist Houtwerk Beverwijk designed and crafted the kitchen, bathroom and external frames of the large windows using HIMACS Solid Surface, an innovative material composed of natural minerals and acrylic resins, appreciated for its seamless, hygienic and thermoformable properties.

Kitchen overlooking the gracht

Stepping on board, visitors are welcomed by a bright open-plan space combining kitchen, dining and living areas. Crafted in HIMACS Cream, the kitchen presents itself as an essential and rigorous architectural composition: the worktop integrates both sink and induction hob with built-in extraction, while the wall cabinets, featuring 12 mm-thick fronts, are completed with discreet handles perfectly aligned with the clean aesthetic of the entire project. Alongside the HIMACS kitchen, a fitted wall unit incorporating the oven, wooden cabinets and an open shelving module provides additional storage and functionality. The whole environment benefits from extraordinary natural light and privileged views over the canal (gracht), thanks to the big windows.

HIMACS proves to be an ideal solution for kitchen applications thanks to its outstanding hygienic properties. Its non-porous, seamless surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and the proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria, germs and mould, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. The choice of HIMACS Cream also interacts harmoniously with the warmth of wood, creating a contemporary, welcoming and balanced atmosphere.

Within this context, the Tripod Light sculpture-lamp in HIMACS also finds its place. Designed by Maarten Diederix for ITEM Amsterdam, Houtwerk’s sister company, the piece draws inspiration from the floral world. Tripod Light recalls the shape of a flower about to bloom: the three “petals”, crafted in Solid Surface, enclose the light source and gently open downward, transforming into a stable base that allows the lamp to stand independently.

Compact and functional: an intelligent bathroom

The hygienic qualities of HIMACS continue into the bathroom area, a compact space positioned between the walk-in wardrobe and the bedroom, featuring double doors that allow access from both rooms. Inside, every element has been carefully considered: on one side, a walk-in shower made from three HIMACS Alpine White panels has been conceived as a small micro-architecture, while on the opposite side a bespoke vanity unit with integrated HIMACS washbasin completes the space with a refined minimalist solution.

To optimise the limited available space, the toilet was placed in a separate compact room, where a mini HIMACS washbasin was also installed, ensuring improved organisation and overall functionality.

Perfect frames, impeccable details

The project’s greatest challenge was the creation of the external HIMACS frames for the large windows of the floating house, an intervention that required an exceptionally high level of precision and technical expertise. Using HIMACS for exterior applications was not new to Houtwerk Beverwijk, which had already successfully experimented with the Solid Surface material in a previous restoration project involving a historic building.

The warm shade selected, HIMACS Peanut Butter, pairs elegantly with the timber slats of the houseboat’s cladding, establishing a visual fil rouge among the architectural elements. During installation, every corner and every joint had to align with absolute precision to withstand changing weather conditions, temperature fluctuations and humidity.

HIMACS once again demonstrates its superior qualities outdoors: besides ensuring remarkable long-term durability, this Solid Surface material offers excellent fire and water resistance, an essential characteristic for this type of project. Its surface prevents moisture absorption, reducing the risk of mould formation, while resisting atmospheric agents and UV rays, preserving both its aesthetic appearance and technical performance over time.