Sustainable Houseboats: The Future of Eco-Friendly Living

A Life Shaped by Water

Over 8.5 million people in the UK live within a kilometre of a waterway.* A quiet pull toward stillness, reflection, and connection with nature. But what if home wasn’t beside the water - what if it was the water?

Koto’s floating homes are designed for that life.

Architecturally led, carbon-neutral, and built to endure rising water levels, these are not retrofitted boats. They are purpose-built dwellings — sculptural, off-grid, and grounded in design principles that honour both form and function.

Each floating home is crafted from low-carbon materials and detailed with biophilic interiors: natural textures, open volumes, and panoramic views that frame the shifting landscape around them.

Whether moored on a Highland loch, set within the calm of Silverlake holiday estate in Dorset, or positioned along the Thames, these homes invite a slower pace and a deeper connection to the elements without compromise on comfort or performance.

Why Live on Land, When You Can Live with Water?

As land becomes increasingly scarce - and less resilient to climate change - floating architecture offers a compelling alternative. Koto’s houseboats are not temporary shelters or secondary retreats. They are thoughtfully designed, architect-led homes built for permanence and low-impact living.

The Advantages of Living on Water

• No land cost
  Avoid expensive plots and float instead.

• Flood-resilient by design
  Adaptive foundations rise and fall with water levels.

• Low-carbon construction
  Sustainably sourced timber and precision-built frames minimise lifetime emissions.

• Biophilic interiors
  Calm, natural materials create a deep connection with the elements.

• Predictable, off-site delivery
  Less disruption. More control.

The Koto Framework: How We Build on Water

1. durability in design

Our houseboats are constructed with marine-grade, insulated timber frames and 316-grade stainless steel detailing - engineered to endure life on water.

Every Koto houseboat includes a 10-year structural warranty (even for commercial use), far exceeding the typical one-year industry guarantee.

2. Off-Grid Floating Homes

Fully self-sufficient systems - solar energy, water filtration, onboard waste management - are tailored to each project, offering complete autonomy where needed.

This flexibility makes our houseboats ideal for remote living, retreat accommodation, or regenerative developments.

3. Climate-Resilient Architecture

Our floating homes are designed to adapt. High-performance materials resist long-term moisture exposure, while engineered flotation systems ensure stability, comfort, and resilience over time.

Buying a Floating Home: What to Know

Council Tax
Most residential moorings fall under Band A council tax — the lowest UK band.

Stamp Duty
Houseboats are exempt from stamp duty, offering further savings at purchase.

Year-Round Livability
All Koto floating homes are built to UK Building Regulations and Eurocodes, with excellent thermal performance for every season.

People Also Ask

“Are houseboats eco-friendly?”

Yes. Built off-site using sustainably sourced timber, our homes minimise waste and emissions. Their airtight construction and high insulation levels reduce long-term energy use.

“Can I get finance for a houseboat?”

Yes. Financing is available through our asset finance partner. Terms typically run up to 7 years, with a 30% deposit.

“Who builds premium houseboats in the UK?”

Koto is a leader in sustainable, architect-designed floating homes. Every project balances form, function, and climate sensitivity.

Living on Water, Designed for the Future

Koto houseboats are a quiet rethinking of what home can be. Sustainable, sculptural, resilient, and deeply connected to place.

*Source: Local Government Association