Stephens Waring Design (SWD) has introduced its new IMMERST floating homes concept that aims to change how people live close to nature.
The concept is derived from SWD’s experience in yacht design and focuses on sustainable living in challenging environments.
The IMMERST homes are designed to blend in with nature and to minimise their environmental impact.
The homes can be built on cliffs, over water, or in treetops using advanced materials such as cross-laminated timber, marine-grade steel, glass, and composites.
Our yachting expertise has been hard-won over decades.
Bob Stephens
The homes have a modular and flexible design and can be expanded or combined to create larger spaces with the option to add floors and surface area.
SWD’s concept uses an Ocean Architecture System (OASys), an integrated network of floating foundations developed to minimise impact on the marine environment, mitigate harbor wake and protects from extreme weather.
The IMMERST dwellings are suitable for day-to-day living, hospitality or travel.
“Our yachting expertise has been hard-won over decades,” explained SWD partner Bob Stephens.
Total immersion
“We were looking for a way in which we could apply these valuable lessons to a more architectural sphere, and so IMMERST was born.”
He continued: “It is both an approach and a destination, allowing clients to experience total immersion in a range of natural environments previously considered too challenging for all but the biggest budgets.
“We have applied our materials knowledge to create designs that are totally contemporary, highly livable and respectful of the environment. What is more, costs are comparable with building on land.”
Among the initial concepts is an Alpine Jewel cliff house which provides 350sqft (30sqm) of living space cantilevered off a rock wall.
The first IMMERST homes are already being built in the United States.
