Miami-based company floats multimillion-dollar water-borne houses to counter rising sea levels

With seas rising and an increase in extreme weather events, the need for forward-thinking housing solutions is increasingly important. Some American cities such as Miami, Florida, are already feeling the effect of rising sea levels.

Meanwhile, the President of Indonesia recently announced his government was seriously considering plans to move the country’s capital inland because, among other things, rising sea levels combined with a sinking city meant that it could be underwater very soon.

So what’s the solution? One company has proposed a new luxury floating dwelling that would allow the rich to live in relative comfort while bobbing along on even the most turbulent of waters.

For all intents and purposes, it’s a houseboat. But given this is a solution for the fabulously wealthy, the descriptor “houseboat” is obviously a bit too pedestrian.

Instead, Florida-based manufacturer ARKUP is referring to it as an “electric liveable yacht”.

The first model, known as the ARKUP #1, measures about 23 metres end-to-end and almost 10 metres at its widest point. It’s built to withstand a category-four hurricane.

The first floor features the kitchen, equipped with Miele appliances, and the living space. Those areas blend in a open-plan design out onto the deck. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for an unobstructed view of the climate apocalypse that could potentially unravel all around you.

There’s also a crew-cabin that can be used as an office, a fully equipped laundry, bathroom, garbage room, outdoor kitchen, and helm station.

Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms with en suites and king-size beds, two of which feature balconies. This means you can take four potential climate refugees with you on your uber-expensive ark.

The master bedroom also features a walk-in closet, free-standing jacuzzi, and the smug satisfaction that can only come from living in a mansion without having to pay property tax.

That makes for a total of four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and a total combined living space of more than 400 square metres.

One of the more unique features of the vessel is its ability to self-elevate.

It has a set of four automatic hydraulic pilings that allow it be hoisted up above the water. This is mostly for safety reasons, but can also be used to ensure that as many people as possible ogle the expensive boat you bought.

When it comes to power, the ARKUP #1 has a number of solutions.

First, the top of the vessel is covered in over 200 square metres of solar panels which should theoretically allow it to be self-sufficient. Failing that, it can be connected to a mainland power supply if required.

This is all well and good, but how much is an electric liveable yacht going to set you back? If you’re happy to charter, prices start at about $8570 a night for eight people. If you’re looking to buy outright, things get a little more complicated.

The standard model without any of the technology or furnishings will set you back roughly $4.3 million, while the fully furnished model starts at $8.4 million. The most expensive models can go as high as $17 million.