Last edited 27 Dec 2020

Prenuptial Housing

In July 2016, the Amsterdam-based design and engineering practice Studio OBA revealed their design concept Prenuptial Housing. The creater Omar Kbiri suggested that 'Prenuptial Housing is a solution for the increasing number of marriages that end up in divorce'.

The design consists of two independent prefabricated units that form the foundation of a single floating house; the studio looking towards Amsterdam's canal network and strong design tradition for floating architecture as inspiration.

The two units are to be connected Tetris-like with a simple fastening mechanism. The idea is that if the couple splits up, they can detach the two units to float apart as separate housing again.

The building consists of lightweight carbon fibre elements and a semi-transparent wooden layer that enhances unity and creates the possibility of adapting to different environments, as well as enabling it to float.

Omar Kbiri said: "With the increasing number of divorces each year, our concept is – regrettably – becoming more and more relevant. I especially like the fact that we can stabilise the home front during an otherwise very hectic time. With this concept you namely don't need to relocate after a break-up."

Studio OBA imagine the house could be particularly popular among couples in Belgium, Portugal and Hungary, where divorce rates are among the highest in the world. They are also planning a prototype and are in discussion with investors, with a tentative plan to start taking orders in early 2017.

For more information, see Studio OBA.

Content and images courtesy of Studio OBA.