Raft house designs have become increasingly popular recently due to the natural beauty and unique features these structures bring to any outdoor area. Raft houses, also known as floating houses, are structures that are built over water and are generally buoyant, making them ideal for use near rivers, lakes and oceans. Design ideas for raft houses range from modern and sleek to traditional, rustic and even vintage. Here are ten of the top Art Deco house designs for your inspiration.Raft House Design Ideas
Raft House Design Ideas
Modern raft houses combine modern lines, sleek furnishing and art-deco inspired design elements for a truly unique living space. This design typically makes use of natural materials such as wood and stone to create a one of a kind home. Glass walls and windows offer stunning views of your aquatic oasis and stylish touches such as built-in floating benches and water fountain features add luxury and comfort.Modern Raft House Design
Modern Raft House Design
Floating raft houses are an excellent choice for those looking to bring a little bit of the outdoor indoors. These homes are typically built atop a large pontoon, allowing them to “float” on the water. This type of design often makes use of modern lines and finishes while still preserving a relaxed, lake-house feel. From wood and glass accents to modern furnishings, this style of house is the perfect blend of function and fashion.Floating Raft House Design
Floating Raft House Design
Small raft houses are ideal for those looking for a tiny home with big attitude. These structures take up less space, making them ideal for cramped living quarters and unique aquatic locations not accessible by traditional houses. Small raft house designs often feature an open floor plan and minimalistic décor, allowing for a functional and modern living space. Small Raft House Design
Small Raft House Design
A lake raft house design brings a bit of architectural splendor to your outdoor living area. These designs often make use of the natural beauty of a lake for inspiration, featuring swooping rooflines and open porches. Ornate railings, decorative brackets and various water features are popular features of this style of house. Lake Raft House Design
Lake Raft House Design
Unique raft house designs take on more of an artistic flare, incorporating vibrant colors, unique materials and eccentric furnishing and fixtures. Elongated rooflines, sculpted-wood facades and specialized decorations are popular features of this type of house, offering a one of a kind living space.Unique Raft House Design
Unique Raft House Design
Coastal raft house designs are perfect for a beach-themed outdoor living space. These designs incorporate classic nautical colors and shapes, often taking design cues from sailboats and traditional beach houses. Seashell and wood accents, shingle style siding, and white shutters are popular features of this type of house.Coastal Raft House Design
Coastal Raft House Design
Floating raft house plans are essential for those looking to build their very own custom built raft house. These plans often feature an open floorplan, allowing for a spacious and comfortable living environment. Balconies, hot tubs and other features can be included in these plans to create an outdoor haven. Floating Raft House Plans
Floating Raft House Plans
Rustic raft house designs can bring a bit of the countryside to your outdoor living area. These structures make use of natural materials such as wood, stone and brick to create a warm and inviting living space. Exposed beams, unique wood grain patterns and natural colors are popular features of this type of house.Rustic Raft House Design
Rustic Raft House Design
Traditional raft house designs are perfect for those that prefer a more timeless, tried-and-true design. These structures often feature simple lines and colors, along with classic furnishings and fixtures. Traditional designs are often enhanced with natural stone features and ornate fixtures.Traditional Raft House Design
Traditional Raft House Design
Vintage raft house designs bring a touch of history to your outdoor living space. These designs often feature classic lines and shapes as well as furniture and fixtures from days gone by. Colored glass and brushed metal accents, along with statement pieces such as wood burners can create a timeless charm in your lakeside living area. Vintage Raft House Design
Vintage Raft House Design
Benefits of Raft House Design
When it comes to building a
house
, the design process plays an important role in the overall success of a structure. Raft house design is growing in popularity among development firms and homeowners alike, and for good reason. With this innovative system of
foundation
construction, you can get all the same support as traditional methods with the added advantage of faster construction times and reduced costs.
A Strong Foundation
A major advantage of utilizing a raft house design is the strength it offers. This design utilizes a
reinforced concrete slab
that is built below ground, acting as a single, large foundation. This slab floats on the soil and is then surrounded by deep integral beams that offer extra reinforcement. This helps reduce settlement issues such as cracking or unevenness, providing construction that is extremely reliable and long-lasting.
Easy & Faster Construction
Another benefit of this form of house design is that it can greatly accelerate the entire building process. All of the key components that form a foundational layer – like plumbing, electrical work, and air conditioning systems – can be contained within the single concrete slab. This eliminates the need to build individual elements around the house, which can save a great deal of time, effort, and money. In addition, this allows you to begin other construction processes, such as walls or roofing, as soon as the slab has been completed.
Environmental Impact
Finally, with a raft house design you can have a positive ecological impact. This is because it is an inherently efficient design. Since the concrete slab covers such a large area, there is very little wastage after the slab has been completed. In addition, due to the reinforcement that’s in place, there is no need for heavy retaining walls and unfortunately damaging foundations systems.
Cost Effective
Another advantage of a raft house design is that it is also very cost-effective. This is because it needs less excavation and the concrete required is typically less as compared to traditional foundation methods. Additionally, labor costs are lower due to the simpler process, which saves time, energy, and money.
