Beautiful Modern Water Villa Sets Sail in Amsterdam

There are hundreds of canals criss-crossing through Amsterdam which make the city uniquely suited for living on the water. This new modern <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/11/06/schwimmhaus-boat-by-confused-direction/" target="_blank">houseboat</a> at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;geocode=&amp;q=amsterdam+de+omval&amp;sll=52.348158,4.897377&amp;sspn=0.026477,0.077162&amp;g=amsterdam+de+omval+canal&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=De+Omval,+Amsterdam,+North+Holland,+The+Netherlands&amp;ll=52.336965,4.92063&amp;spn=0.013242,0.038581&amp;t=h&amp;z=15&amp;iwloc=A">De Omval</a> makes houseboats on Lake Powell in the USA look like redneck McMansions. Designed by Dutch firm <a href="http://www.plus31architects.com/" target="_blank">+31 Architects</a>, the Watervilla de Omval is a compact 2-bedroom houseboat with modern lines that can ride the rise and fall of the tides.

The modern houseboat is located at De Omval in Amsterdam with views of the Amstel River.

The split-level, two-story home is takes advantage of the sun with large windows and voids that bring light down to the lower levels.

A void next to the staircase lets in light, and a 'cuckoo window' next to the fireplace in the living room lets light into the lower level bedroom.

Large windows on the canal side let in lots of natural northern daylight.

The houseboat is accessed via a wooden deck/jetty where the south-facing facade is paneled to maintain privacy.

The canal side of the home includes a deck that can be used to tie up a boat or just enjoy the water.

+31 Architects is responsible for the design of the water villa, which was just completed and launched in 2010.

A rooftop deck accessed from inside allows the owners to enjoy even more outdoor living space.

The home has a bedroom that is partially submerged and a lower floor with a bedroom, bathroom study and mechanical room.

Due to height restrictions, the home features a low profile.