If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives): floating structures

Pro-skater Bob Burnquist has skated on almost every surface imaginable. Now he can add the surface of the water to that list. As part of California's Dream 365 Project, a collection of inspiring videos, photos, memes, tweets and more designed to increase tourism to California, Burnquist proves he can Dream Big and builds a large floating skate ramp in the waters of gorgeous Lake Tahoe.

Behind the Scenes
Once upon a time we came upon a photo of a floating skate ramp. We thought it was a totally cool idea, but when we did a little research, we discovered the image was a fake—someone’s Photoshopped fantasy. Bummer, we thought—but then we got inspired. “Let’s build our own,” we cried, “and let’s have pro skater Bob Burnquist skate on it—in Lake Tahoe!” Somehow our crazy idea seemed just fine to Bob, who had his own designers join us for four days to build this ramp “floating” above Lake Tahoe. Brazilian-born Bob loved the ramp so much he wants one just like it built at his waterfront home in his home country (only because his San Diego spread—where he has his own super-pipe—doesn’t have any waterfront). Cool fact: For our shoot, a wet-suited snorkeler was at the ready to dive for Bob’s skateboard every time it went over the edge and into the big blue.

Find a dream, fuel your dream or just see something awesome at the Official Dream365 Project site.

The MetroShip by Ballinger & Co. is a modern houseboat, conceived of in London and hand-made in the USA, which also happens to be offered in this years' annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book as one of their legendary "Fantasy Gifts" for $250,000.

The 48ft x 12ft modern houseboat was inspired by the open plan of NY loft spaces and has 7 foot high interior ceilings. After 7 years of design & development, the floating modern retreat is completely outfitted with the finest appliances and furnishings including a Viking and Gaggenau kitchen, Italian marble bathroom vanity with Kohler shower, a Bang & Olufsen stereo sound system, Sony LCD HD tvs , Nintendo Wii, an LG washing machine and the W Hotel bed.

INTERIOR SPECS & PHOTO GALLERY:

Flooring: Armstrong single-piece waterproof vinyl wood flooring

Living Area: large open plan NYC loft style living for comfortable year-round living

Bedroom:
* oversized open plan bedroom with W Hotel bed
* Optional bedroom ‘pods’ available that rise up from floor level at the push of a button

Kitchen:
*Oversized island with hand-made white gloss cabinets
*Centrally located in the boat for better stability

Countertop:
* Faux-granite acrylic countertop
* ’green’ recycled faux-granite countertop optional

Appliances:
* Viking integrated fridge / freezer and dishwasher
* Gaggenau in-cabinet oven and electric cooktop
* Stainless steel sink with chrome mixing faucet
Bathroom:

*Italian curved-glass vanity
* Kohler frameless glass shower
* Sloan touchless water-conserving faucet
* Household style touch-flush lavatory

Laundry:
*LG steam all-in-one washer / dryer:

Heating / Air Conditioning:
* Remote-controlled (with thermostat) electric air with heater
Electrical:
* Solar-powered exterior LED lights
* Halogen interior downlighters
* Touch sensitive light switches
* Chrome power outlets

Audio / Visual:
* TV connections, satellite-ready, internet-ready
* HDTV projector for movies, computer or gaming
* Sony LCD flat screen TV
* Jamo Danish-made in-wall speakers
Sewage / Water :
* High pressure water pump
* High capacity tankless water heater
* Fresh water tank
* Holding septic tank with pumping system

EXTERIOR SPECS & PHOTO GALLERY:

Dimensions:
* 48ft length x 12ft width (beam) x 7ft (interior height)

* 12ft width (just under 12ft) makes the MetroShip easy to transport across the country without the need for an escort vehicle in most States:

Main Structure: Aluminum hull (optional Fiberglass or Steel Hull or Deep 'V' Aluminum Hull)

Frame / Walls: Maintenance-free aluminum grid wall construction

Floors:
* Aluminum frame with waterproof floor panels

Roof:
* Fiberglass single-piece roof system
* Roof deck is ready to be converted into additional outdoor living area
Windows:
* Double-glazed Low E premium windows in wood frame

Doors:
* Double-glazed Low E premium doors in wood frame:

Power:
* Optional 90HP or twin 60HP Honda outboard motors available
* Optional two transoms for two engine placement available
* Optional helm station available
* The MetroShip is built for comfortable living not speed

One of the Fantasy Gifts in the 2010 NM Christmas Book, below is the description from their catalog:

On the 50th anniversary of our His & Hers gifts, we present the ultimate romantic retreat: the MetroShip houseboat. With a 48-foot by 12-foot open floor plan and 7-foot-high interior ceiling, it has been designed and built as an intimate luxury loft that just happens to float. Richly appointed, it offers the best in comfort, technology, aesthetics–and portability.

Open and airy during the day with waterproof hardwood floors and double-glazed windows, at night it truly glows with sophistication thanks to maintenance-free translucent thermal aluminum walls. Inside, it's all about the two of you. Set the remote-control central air conditioning and heating, and put on some music. The living area includes a next-generation media center with Bang & Olufsen stereo, high-definition projector, Nintendo® WiiTM gaming console, and Sony® LCD flat-screen monitor for movies, computer, gaming, and Internet projection. Grab a bottle of wine from the gourmet kitchen island. It features handmade cabinets, a Viking® refrigerator/freezer and dishwasher, and GaggenauTM in-cabinet oven and cooktop.

Slip into something more comfortable in the spa bathroom with an Italian curved-glass vanity, touch-free faucet, and Kohler® frameless full-size shower. The high-capacity tankless water heater and LG steam washer/dryer come in handy–as does the roomy master suite with a luxury W Hotel bed. Not that you'll be in any hurry to get anywhere, but there are twin 60-horsepower Honda outboard engines. And when it's time to transport or dock, the lightweight aluminum hull and 12-foot width make it easy.

One His & Hers MetroShip Luxury Houseboat
Price: $250,000.00
item no. CBF11_04833
Call 1.877.9NM.GIFT for details.