This larger houseboat has a generator-powered pump which moved water into a storage tank.An on-demand propane-fired water heater provides hot water for showers and dishes.The solar panels provide electricity for common household uses, as well as for the incinerating toilet
and ice movement. In the North, where over half the land is water-logged and damage done by ground movement is common, this houseboat struc- ture makes economic sense even on land. Per- haps as a result, houseboat communities are developing in more optimal locations which have naturally potable water, safer access and less risk of storm damage than on Great Slave Lake. In Yellowknife Bay, 21 houseboats, ranging from less than 100 sq. ft. to about 1,000 sq. ft., and housing one to three people, are each custom-designed spaces reflecting a balance of spatial need with the effort needed to maintain this space. A sleeping area often replaces a bedroom; a toilet area replaces a washroom; shelves and hooks replace storage rooms. Less, and simpler, square footage means less construction cost (approximately $60/sq. ft. versus $120/sq. ft. for conventional housing); less area to heat and light; and less space to clean! Without conventional services (which add $47,000 to $80,000 to land costs on shore, houseboat living begins at the most basic level. Nearly all of us use solar panels for power — there is not the wind regime for wind turbines. Ravens that interrupt electrical service,Y2K and sunspot activity are not our concern.And we appreciate our independence from these annoyances and monthly bills! Propane and wood fulfill heat, cooking and lighting needs. Another multiuse space, this area holds 12V deep cycle lead batteries (in white box at rear); an inverter; a main battery shut-off switch (red throw handle); an AC and a DC panel box; an LED current display monitor; the honey bucket (vented); and the wash basin - from low tech to high tech.
A typical winter day spent working on the wood pile. Note the solar panels are in the raised position to better capture scarce sunlight.The waterbox is set into the ice.The deck is cleared for use as a workspace. And the truck safely sits on the 6 ft. of winter ice - ready to be started anytime the generator is fired up.
Houseboats have ample decks which can be used as work or play spaces.
On Site review 11
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Spring 2004
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