In the midst of endless nature along the canals, and living an off-grid lifestyle, it's easy to forget that I'm surrounded by some of the most unique architecture, and way of living in the 21st Century; that of a narrowboat.
A narrowboat, a long mobile vessel with a normal width of 7ft, and varying lengths from 23ft to 70 ft, is home to over 15000 boat people of Britain..
The subject of my fascination is of this unexpected extraordinary narrowboat named Brenda May; a mobile home on the canals here in the UK.
N.B. This is not the typical architecture and design post. However, I've chosen this community as the place to share the incredible arts, architecture and design, used to create accommodation which carries the standard facilities of a modern traditional apartment. I hope you'll appreciate the ingenuity of this creation.
Variety is Common in the Narrowboating World
The boats are all different in sizes and designs, and some are more unique than others. There's no restrictions or limits as to what you can do with your narrowboat, except for some safety regulations that must be met for full insurance and registration and passing of your vessel.
Therefore, a person with a creative mind can let their imaginations run wild.
Environmental Design
Being a "fire dragon," according to Chinese Beliefs, this one-of-a-kind narrowboat with a depiction of a dragon as a focal frontal piece, caught my eyes instantly.
This Bow (front of the boat) design is rather unique.
Normally, there's a window or door at the bow of the boat, which enables you to look out and see oncoming traffic or locks, or anything that lies ahead.However, this one has open spaces on either side under the canvas.
Did you notice that the dragon is made of car tyres?
Among some of the noticeable recycled materials used to up-cycle and create art, are rubber tyres from old cars and bicycles.
These black swans and hanging monkey are made from recycled bicycle tyres.
This to me, is remarkable because I remember when I lived in the Netherlands, there were days when large teams would do canal clean-ups, that would retrieve insurmountable amounts of bicycle tyres discarded in the canals.
Also, in keeping with the off-grid environmentally conscious design, of this mobile home, is the installation of several solar panels for energy consumption and self-sustainability.
Side hatches provide additional lighting and an illusion of a more open space. I think this is a smart idea, as the porthole windows are so small.
'I could have spent hours exploring this boat. It's like a museum piece.'
Architecture and Design
A significant aspect of the architecture design that differs in narrowboats is that of the stern (the back of the boat, where the steering mechanism known as the tiller is installed). This stern is known as the traditional stern, which has just adequate space for the skipper of the boat.
Surrounding the tiller, is the implementation of environmentally efficient systems of solar panels and wind generator.
Painting Decoration
The monotone painting decoration is different to that of colourful tradition narrowboats. This one takes on a darker theme, enhanced with quirky decoration that holds its striking appeal.
This is a rare narrowboat on the network, and it's unlikely that I'll ever see another boat like this on the canals.
There's even a solar energy clock attached to the tiller, which makes keeping time to the slow movement of the narrowboat easy.
Isn't this narrowboat design just an amazingly creative piece of work?
Three Wise Monkeys
Another of the collectible art pieces on this boat which I bet has much meaning to the owner. This display of the Three Wise Monkeys encapsulates an essential positive attitude of life.
Truth be told, living an off-grid nomadic lifestyle on a narrowboat is a incomprehensible concept to many; and I find this principle somewhat suitable:
See No Evil
Speak No Evil
Hear No Evil
...Let things and people be.
Differences make the world beautiful.
I love individuality, and this narrowboat is right up my street.
So Many Collectibles, So Many Stories
Everything tells a story, and I can see that careful thought was put into it.
Yet, this is just the exterior.
For the outside world, I often wonder what homeowners feel when they look through their windows and see a new boat mooring up.
This would be a conversation piece, don't you think?
This boat aroused my curiosity on so many levels.
I imagine a reverse layout, with the bedroom to the front of the boat.
Most likely, the occupant(s) of this boat are not continuous cruisers, as they would have to rearrange and guard many items on top of the boat, to safely navigate their way under some low bridges and tunnels.
The creativity, design, and collection of arts make me wonder what kind individual the owner might be. It makes me wonder what the daily motivations and aspirations of the boat owner is in living an off-grid lifestyle on a mobile home.
What are your thoughts of this narrowboat?
When you think of an architecture design for a home, did a design of this off-grid alternative structure come to mind?
As it stands, this boat is "my most memorable narrowboat" seen to date, and it shows just how creative one can be in living a comfortable off-grid lifestyle.
Do you dream of improving Stewardship to earth?
Have you ever wondered about living, designing and creating an off-grid accommodation?
Please feel free to share your comments.
Thank you so much for reading;)
