With the increasing demand for cheap homes, one lifestyle increases in popularity:  many of the world’s nations, including the United States, now allow real estate investors to purchase property on the water.  This new breed of homeowner then hires architects to build their cheap homes. 

Wasserhäuser, a German architecture firm introduced the technology of building homes on water.  This technology is dependent upon utilizing water to power electric and gas fuel.  By using this method, these cheap homes are both energy efficient and self-contained.  The process used to power electric and gas fuel depends upon a technology called electrolysis.  Electrolysis utilizes an electric current to decompose water into oxygen and hydrogen.  The hydrogen provides the fuel for the cheap homes in the same manner it provides fuel for hydrogen cars. 

Technology aside, these cheap homes appear to be anything but cheap.  They are well crafted, and space-efficient.  Inside one of these finely constructed water homes, it is hard to believe that they run for a fraction of the price of their land counter parts.  Kitchens have the same amenities as their land-locked counterparts – and can be as simple or extravagant as the buyer desires.  Many residents of these cheap homes have full home-theater systems, recreation rooms, and libraries (these homes are watertight and the books and electrical equipment are safe). 

There are many benefits in living on the water.  One such benefit is immunity to flooding.  Since the house rests on top of water, when the water level rises so does the house.  Living on the water lessens the damage from earthquakes.  Since the foundation of the home anchors rather than fully attaches to the ground, the water house rolls with the waves during an earthquake.  There may be some water damage to the home, but structural damage is usually at a minimum.

Because the cheap homes float on water, there are certain safety precautions owners must take.  First, architects recommend residents and visitors alike wear life vests as they would on any water vessel.  Second, just as residents would if they lived on land, they ought to evacuate in the event of a hurricane, tsunami or other forecasted natural disaster.  While houseboats have a lessened flood risk, storms bring potentially damaging high winds.  Moreover, storm surges and tsunamis have the potential for breaking the strong chains tethering the house.  Finally, owners ought to take advantage of the large pantries built into these homes.  Some are far out on the water and when the water is rough, obtaining supplies may be difficult.  While serious accidents involving these cheap homes are rare, precautionary measures help to insure the safety of all.

People wishing to save money by purchasing these cheap homes built on the water and the eco-conscious are not the only groups noticing this trend in housing.  Celebrities wishing to escape the Hollywood scene are also buying premium real estate on the water.  Media-wary actors purchase water homes in far-out places.  Wasserhäuser has commented that requests for these custom water homes include helicopter-landing pads and video monitoring systems so that celebrities can access their residences at whim, and keep an eye on the residence when they are on a job.  Wasserhäuser also commented that some of the more extravagant water homes include golf fairways for those wishing to practice their stroke at home. 

Ecologists laud the fact that these homes are energy efficient, but they worry about the effects these cheap homes will have on the wildlife in the natural waterways.  Lake Shasta, a popular building ground for these homes due to its scenic views has seen a decline in fish and wildlife due to overfishing of residents and noise pollution problems.  Activists are trying to get congress to pass a cap on the number of homes built in waterways to avoid this problem elsewhere.

Despite the concerns of ecologists, it does not appear that purchases of these cheap homes will slow anytime soon. Just last month, new property owners purchased or built over twelve thousand water houses worldwide.  Wasserhäuser, the primary architects of these homes have a six-month backlog on their building contracts.  Other companies such as US based Falane Water Homes have a three to six week backlog.  Many college students interested in architecture and engineering are turning their attention to specializations in these areas.  Don’t expect to see this slow down anytime soon.