Modern floating home on serene lake, surrounded by mountains.

Lake Como’s Floating Marvel: A Solar-Powered Floating Home by Uau Studio

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-06-16

A Modern Tribute to Tradition

Floating serenely on Lake Como, the Lucia by uau studio is a captivating reinvention of the traditional batèl, a vessel celebrated in Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed. This innovative project transforms the classic design into a mobile micro-home, offering both flexibility and elegance with its sleek, white silhouette. Moving gracefully across the water, Lucia allows its inhabitants to shift locations with ease.

Ingenious Design and Eco-Friendly Functionality

Lucia occupies a compact 25-square-meter area, serving as a versatile living space. Its single-level design is perfect for short stays or temporary accommodations, with every inch meticulously planned for efficiency. The flat-bottom hull is powered by an electric propulsion system, eliminating the need for traditional engines. Its innovative foldable roof offers a dynamic transition between open and private spaces, adapting to various needs and surroundings.

The interior, crafted from locally sourced and recycled materials like birch plywood, emphasizes sustainability. Through modular, multifunctional furniture, the space can be reconfigured to suit different domestic needs, while maintaining accessibility throughout.

Explore how Puddle Pavilion in Iowa integrates sustainable architecture with local ecosystems, much like Lucia’s eco-friendly design.

Interior view of floating home with open living area and kitchen.

Integrating Tech and Tradition

Lake Como’s picturesque shores set the scene for a unique docking system known as Darsena Link. These solar-powered hubs are woven into the lake’s natural and cultural tapestry, promoting energy self-sufficiency, community interaction, and recreational activities. Offering amenities such as solar charging stations, markets, and social spaces, these platforms rejuvenate the historic legacy of Lake Como while supporting Lucia’s houseboat lifestyle.

Bedroom inside floating home, featuring large windows with lake view.

A Vision of Future Mobility

This project extends the legacy of lake-based trade and residence by positioning itself as a modern iteration of life on the water. Lucia, by @uaustudiodesign, encapsulates the synergy between mobility, domestic living, and landscape. By adapting the traditional roles of boats to new contexts, it offers fresh perspectives on sustainable and accessible water-based habitation.

For inspiration on compact living spaces, check out the Koala Bear Mobile Tiny Home, designed for modern, adventurous souls.

Deck area of floating home, furnished with chairs and table.

With its meticulous blend of history, modern technology, and sustainable design, Lucia stands as a beacon of innovation and cultural homage on the tranquil waters of Lake Como.

Floating home at dusk, lights reflecting on calm lake water.
Close-up of solar panels on floating home's roof.
Wide shot of floating home near lakeshore with lush greenery.

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com