Life Aboard a Floating Dream Home Surrounded by 'Living Art'
Positioned along the scenic Fraser River in Ladner, British Columbia, a remarkable two-storey float home offers a unique waterfront lifestyle that its listing agent describes as being surrounded by "living art." This custom-built residence, constructed in 2016 by Pinnacle Homes, spans 2,191 square feet and represents a pinnacle of floating architecture.
Unobstructed Views and Natural Splendor
"Every time you look out the window there's something to see," says Marilyn Yeo, the listing agent for this two-bedroom, three-bathroom property. "Whether it's an eagle soaring, a fish jumping, ducks and their ducklings gliding by, the swans that come every year, or simply the mountains. Some float homes have narrow windows based on their structure, but these owners wanted really large windows, so there are unobstructed views all the way from one side of the house to the other."
The expansive glass installations create a seamless connection with the natural environment, transforming the surrounding wildlife and landscapes into a constantly changing artistic display. The property features a huge picture window in the kitchen that captures panoramic river views, along with numerous other windows that flood the interior with natural light and scenery.
Engineering Innovation and Custom Design
This particular float home presented unique engineering challenges due to its extensive use of glass. Floating home engineer Matt Tobias, who had never before constructed a residence with so much glass, oversaw the project that required 40 glass panels and railings, plus 30 windows comprising two tons of custom-made glass. The structure was built 16 kilometers upriver at a marine build yard in Delta before being towed to its current location on River Road.
The construction process differed significantly from conventional homes since float homes rest on water rather than land. Crews first assembled a floating foundation using blocks of polystyrene foam, which are lightweight and buoyant. They then cut trenches into these blocks for water pipes and utilities, wrapped steel bars over the top for structural strength, and finally encased the entire base in 112 tons of waterproof concrete to create an unsinkable platform.
Luxury Amenities and Outdoor Living
The residence boasts premium features throughout, including:
- Thermador kitchen appliances including a wall steam oven, 70-bottle wine refrigerator, and six-burner gas cooktop
- A primary bedroom en suite with a large floating vanity, roomy shower featuring a rainfall shower head, and built-in bench
- 700 square feet of composite decking on the top floor designed as a party patio
- A private 60-foot dock for boat access
The walkway ramp leading to the home adjusts according to the river's flow, ensuring consistent access regardless of water levels. The lower floor contains 2,000 feet of water pipes that serve as the main heat source during winter months, covered by additional concrete for insulation and protection.
Waterfront Lifestyle and Recreation
Residents can enjoy direct access to fishing opportunities right from their deck, with salmon, trout, and sturgeon available depending on the season. The private dock allows for immediate boating access to nearby destinations including Steveston Village for lunch or secluded islands for day trips. According to the Floating Home Association of BC, there are more than 800 float homes throughout the province, moored in various locations including Southern Vancouver Island, Granville Island, Coal Harbour, Richmond, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, and Ladner.
This particular property exemplifies the growing appeal of float homes as luxury residences that offer both architectural innovation and intimate connection with British Columbia's natural waterways. The combination of custom design, engineering expertise, and premium finishes creates a truly unique living experience where the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor seamlessly dissolve.
