This idyllic two-storey houseboat brings together sharp Danish design, quiet luxury, and the benefits of a daily dip
Bobbing gently between Copenhagen’s celebrated opera house and the buzzy redevelopment of Paper Island, Søren’s bespoke houseboat is a masterclass in contemporary Danish design. The founder of the acclaimed cabinetry brand Garde Hvalsøe, has channelled his lifelong affinity with water into this extraordinary floating home, seamlessly blending his passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and a calm, maritime lifestyle.
The concept of living on water had long captivated Søren. “I come from a family with a strong sailing tradition,” he says. “I know several people who have lived, or still live, on houseboats. The close connection to nature and the sense of calm you experience in a place like this, even though we’re right in the middle of the city, is truly special.” It was, in fact, the Urban Rigger project – a series of carbon-neutral shipping containers reimagined as homes for young people – that really sparked the imagination. After buying one for his son, Søren’s own dream of a floating sanctuary came to life.
But finding a suitable docking space in Copenhagen harbour is notoriously difficult, with limited availability and fierce competition. “I was incredibly fortunate when a vacant space near Masteskurene on Dokøen, directly overlooking the newly donated Operaparken by AP Møller, turned out to be owned by one of my clients. It was a rare stroke of luck that made it all possible.”
The close connection to nature and the sense of calm is truly special
From there, the fun (and the problem-solving) began. Søren teamed up with architect Anders Halsteen to design the houseboat completely from scratch. “I love the process of creating something entirely new,” he says. “Building from scratch meant I could get everything exactly the way I wanted it.” Not that it was all plain sailing: “The first two designs we worked on either looked too much like a submarine or simply didn’t fit in with the surroundings,” he explains. “It wasn’t until the third proposal that Anders came up with a concept that really resonated with me – a design where wooden slats wrap around the back of the house, a bit like the slatted doors you see on closets. The front of the house has only small windows, which adds to the feeling of privacy and calm.”
Realising this ambitious project was far from straightforward. Constructed in Poland, the houseboat had to make a nail-biting journey to Denmark, facing logistical challenges, with stringent insurance and regulatory requirements along the way. “The most challenging factor was the weather,” Søren admits. “The houseboat could only be towed at a speed of 3.5 knots, and conditions needed to be nearly windless. The journey took three days. But the moment the tugboat came into view, towing the floating home across still water on a calm July evening in 2023 – that was unforgettable. A huge emotional release after such a long and intense process!”
Inside, Søren’s unique home is all about warm oak, cool concrete and beautifully lived-in brass. There’s nothing showy or over-styled here – it feels functional, yet quietly refined. The kitchen is where a lot of thought has gone. I wonder how Søren approached designing a space that balances style, function and his love of cooking. “It was a fun challenge to make the absolute most out of the space, especially using all the little corners and nooks that you might otherwise overlook,” he tells me “I like keeping it open, with visible tools and utensils, rather than hiding everything away and wasting valuable space. I also think it’s important that you can actually see that we cook here – the kitchen shouldn’t feel too polished or sterile.”
Here, materials play a significant role in shaping the distinct moods of different spaces. Brass fixtures in the bathroom gracefully patina over time, while oak, selected for its durability and maritime heritage, provides warmth and timeless beauty. Concrete, particularly prominent in the lower level, anchors the floating structure with its raw, tactile quality. “I love the raw, honest texture of concrete; it gives a grounded, solid feeling that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the oak and the patina of the brass,” Søren explains.
Sustainability is integral to the design, blending these traditional materials with innovative, renewable solutions. “Oak has been cherished for centuries, but its widespread use today also brings concerns about sustainability,” he says. “That made it all the more important for me to design interiors and furniture with longevity at their core. We paired enduring materials like oak, zinc, and steel with renewable solutions like bamboo for exterior cladding. The house also limits its electricity use through a natural energy system, drawing on the stable temperature of sea water to either heat or cool the home.”
Externally, the houseboat’s design thoughtfully balances privacy and openness as it adapts to Copenhagen’s changing weather conditions. “To add privacy, we closed off the front facing the dock – aside from maritime-style windows,” Søren explains. “We opened the side facing the water with slatted wood panels. These panels are essential, especially on sunny days. Sometimes, the heat and light become so intense that we need to close the slats, which glide smoothly along the windows like a conveyor belt.”
Daily life aboard is marked by rituals intimately tied to the water. Søren and his wife Rita begin each morning with a refreshing dip directly off the deck, a protocol that underscores their coexistence with the surrounding elements. “It’s become a cherished ritual,” he shares. “No matter where you are on the boat – whether it’s in the living room, the kitchen, or the bedroom – you always have a view of the water and feel its presence all around you.”
When asked about the single feature of the houseboat that brings him the most joy, Søren doesn’t hesitate: “Without a doubt, it’s the terrace connected to the kitchen and living room. That’s where we spend almost all of our time during the spring and summer months. A close second is the small terrace right outside our bedroom.”
In this thoughtfully crafted home, every detail, from its maritime-inspired exterior to the carefully curated materials inside, reflects Søren’s lifelong passion for exceptional craftsmanship and mindful design. Floating gracefully on Copenhagen’s waters, his home embodies serenity, sustainability – and an innate connection to nature that most homeowners only dream of.
