Project Portfolio
The Charnwood Ark
The Charnwood Ark was a commission undertaken by Floats and Frames Limited in 2015. It features a full pontoon hull and cabin, and was constructed using a seven-module, 3.8m beam, trimaran frame that was launched in sections from a Leicestershire riverbank. The sections were then connected in the water to create a full pontoon, which was topped with prefabricated roof sections and clad, glazed, and roofed.
Thanks to its gabled roof design, the vessel can fit through inland waterway bridge apertures and be licensed as a genuinely navigable craft, thus avoiding local authority planning permissions. Additionally, the robust construction has allowed it to comfortably ride the extreme flooding and flow conditions that occur at the mooring site.
Lilypod
Our involvement in the extraordinary Lilypod cabin was limited solely to draughting and design consultation for the pontoon base. After that, it was simply a floats-only sale and delivery. The rest of the project, from cabin design to hand building, was conceived by the client and stunningly realised.
​
Designed with love and hand-built with passion. Lilypod is a truly unique stay in Devon. A floating sanctuary inspired by nature, using the natural wonder of timber. Nestled on a stunning lake at Alder Farm, hushed by mature deciduous trees on the border of Dartmoor, Lilypod is available for short term rentals via its own site (linked).
Custom Jetty
Shown here is an example of a bespoke jetty, which is set by telegraph piles and accessed by a hinged gangplank, situated in a beautiful loch in Perthshire.
​
This commission was fabricated using hot-dip galvanized mild steel framing and topped with the highest quality composite boarding available (Millboard). It was assembled, launched, and set by us in a single day, despite the tricky access.
​
The visible pile clamp frames have internal rollers to hold them in position while rising and falling in flood and drought conditions. Additionally, the custom gangplank is hinged from the shore, with wheels on the deck end.
Quadrimaran
We supplied a full float and frame kit consisting of six, 4.5m beam quadrimaran modules, which were launched in increments by the client and connected into a full pontoon at a slipway near their intended mooring site nestled in the magical Norfolk Broads.
​
After viability consultations with us, the client plans to build their own superstructure. Once complete, it will be used for short-term accommodation and as a family escape. However, the cabin build has been delayed due to complications encountered with the Broads Authority. If you require compliance advice, we can help you navigate these tricky waters.
Pentamaran
We supplied and launched a six-module, 5m beam pentamaran hull frame at a saltwater marina in Gosport. The full pontoon was dry-assembled on a slipway at low tide and naturally floated as the tide came in. Once free-floating, a MAC Cabins prefab container home was craned on and fixed down. The whole vessel was then towed across The Solent to its home mooring on The Isle of Wight.
​
Currently used as an Airbnb destination, the vessel comfortably handles the comparatively aggressive site conditions of saltwater spray, waves, and tidal beaching. It is also one of the very few pontoon-based houseboats to have been at sea!
Custom Jetty
This end-of-garden jetty was conceived by the client as a simple solution for a narrowboat mooring as well as a frame for a water-sourced heat pump. We provided consultation and sold only the floats for the project.
​
The builder chose to use mild steel framing, which was home-fabricated according to our drawings and coated in a two-pack epoxy marine paint. To account for the variation in water levels due to floods and droughts, articulated arms were set into the garden, and cleat bolt points were pre-drilled prior to painting. The timber decking was laid and tech-screwed to the framing after launch and final positioning.
V Marine Homes Afloat
We are proud to supply our Cutlass Marine Float Units to the market-leading boat builders at V Marine.
​
Homes Afloat properties are designed and constructed on-site at their boatyard workshop in Sussex. They are manufactured to a high standard using the latest modular building techniques. All floating homes are contemporary in design, eco-friendly, and energy-saving, similar to modern-built homes onshore.
​
Click on the link to see their range and find out more.
Pub Stage
Designed to serve as both a floating stage and additional cover space for patrons, we supplied a bespoke three-module, 4m beam, trimaran raft to The Moorings Pub in Barrow upon Soar.
​
Featuring a double layer of light-gauge steel framing and budget composite decking, it has been in steady use during summer months since 2019, while enduring heavy flood conditions and aggressive flow during winters.
​
In addition to its primary use, the stage has been modified for outboard attachment and has navigated several miles as a party raft!
