THE PROBLEM
Housing shortages are a growing challenge in cities and tourist destinations worldwide. Like Ibiza, Barcelona, Venice and other coastal cities or islands.
Rising real estate prices, lack of affordable housing, and over-tourism have made it increasingly difficult for essential workers, businesses, and governments to find sustainable solutions. The consequences of this crisis affect multiple stakeholders:
- Users/Consumers: Many professionals, such as hospitality staff, teachers, and healthcare workers, cannot afford to live near their workplaces, leading to long commutes, job dissatisfaction, and financial strain.
- Businesses: Companies struggle to attract and retain employees due to unaffordable housing options, impacting productivity and increasing turnover costs.
- Government: Cities face rising urban density, housing inequality, and increased homelessness, leading to economic and social instability.
The Social Housing Boat is an innovative project developed by the Business Hippie Club to address these challenges. By repurposing cruise ships into sustainable, community-driven living spaces, this solution provides affordable housing while revitalizing existing infrastructure.
how it works
In the harbor we will dock a CruiseShip which can accommodate 200 to 800 people, depending on the size of the boat that fits in the harbor.
Working professionals (not tourists) can apply to rent cabins on a monthly basis. With low rental fees and additional services like meals and laundry. This ensures dignified living conditions.
The social housing boat provides a clean and secure setting for living, sleeping, and relaxation. The cabins come fully furnished with a bathroom and lighting, ready for immediate use. All common areas are well-maintained and kept in good condition.
The project complies with local regulations, ensuring a seamless experience for residents.
the setup
The Social Housing Boat transforms decommissioned cruise ships into fully functional, affordable housing units. The process includes:
Employing local workers for security, hospitality, and administration roles.
Selection & Repurposing:
Identifying retired or underutilized cruise ships that can be converted into housing.
Retrofitting cabins into comfortable living spaces with modern amenities.
Infrastructure & Services:
Equipping the boat with essential facilities: bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, laundry, and communal spaces.
Implementing sustainable energy solutions such as solar power and water recycling systems.
Deployment & Placement:
Positioning the ship near high-demand urban areas, ensuring accessibility to workplaces and city services.
Adjusting location as needed based on seasonal or long-term housing demand.
Management & Community Development:
Offering long-term and short-term rental options to individuals and businesses.
Establishing a vibrant community by integrating shared spaces, events, and support networks.
Local Economic Integration:
Partnering with local suppliers for food, maintenance, and operational needs.
Benefits for workers / boat residents
Affordable Housing in High-Cost Areas
Housing prices in cities and tourist destinations are skyrocketing, making it nearly impossible for essential workers and residents to find a place to live. The Social Housing Boat provides an affordable, high-quality alternative with all necessary facilities.
A Sense of Community
Unlike temporary housing solutions, this project creates a shared living experience, fostering meaningful connections between residents.
Convenience & Comfort
Fully furnished cabins with private bathrooms, access to meals, laundry services, and shared social spaces ensure a comfortable and hassle-free living experience.
Location Flexibility
Unlike traditional housing, the boat can relocate based on demand, ensuring residents remain close to work opportunities and urban centers.
Benefits for Businesses
Stable Workforce Housing
Many businesses struggle to attract and retain talent due to high living costs. The Social Housing Boat ensures that essential workers – including hospitality staff, teachers, healthcare professionals, and police officers – have access to stable housing near their workplaces.
Increased Employee Well-being and Productivity
Employees with secure housing are more productive, engaged, and committed. This reduces turnover rates and the associated costs of rehiring and training.
A Sustainable and CSR-Friendly Solution
Businesses that support or invest in this project can enhance their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, contributing to sustainable urban development and ethical employment conditions.
Opportunities for Local Suppliers
The operation of the housing boat requires services such as food supply, cleaning, security, maintenance, and entertainment, offering local businesses a chance to integrate into a unique housing model.
Benefits for Government
Alleviating Housing Pressure in Overcrowded Areas
Cities and tourist hubs are experiencing severe housing shortages, leading to overcrowding and homelessness. The Social Housing Boat offers an immediate, scalable solution without the need for new land development.
Sustainable Urban Planning
By repurposing existing cruise ships, the initiative reduces the need for large-scale construction projects, limiting environmental impact and preserving city landscapes.
Flexible and Rapid Deployment
Unlike traditional housing projects that take years to develop, a repurposed cruise ship can be operational within months, providing a quick response to urgent housing needs.
Boosting Local Economies
The housing boat creates job opportunities and supports local industries by sourcing services and goods locally, strengthening the economic ecosystem.
A Model for Future Housing Policies
Governments seeking innovative housing policies can use this concept as a blueprint for sustainable, adaptable housing models worldwide.
Turn ideas into action – your solution starts here
The solution outlined above is more than just an idea – it’s an example of what’s possible. Whether you see potential in this concept for your own initiative or need something uniquely tailored to your challenge, we’re here to help.
How we can collaborate:
1. Define the challenge – Identify what’s missing and the impact you want to create.
2. Explore existing solutions – Use this concept as a foundation and customize it to fit your needs.
3. Co-create a custom solution – If this isn’t the right fit, we’ll develop a fresh solution together.
4. Make it real – From strategy to execution, we help turn ideas into action.
This is a proprietary concept developed by the Business Hippie Club. Our solutions are designed to be adapted and implemented in real-world scenarios, ensuring meaningful impact.
Some solutions are ready to go, others need to be built from the ground up. Let’s talk and explore the possibilities.
Business Hippie Club 