If you’ve ever dreamed of living at sea and have the six-figure budget to make it a reality, you must see this eco-friendly floating apartment dubbed the “Anthénea.”
The fully autonomous luxury condo is designed by French naval architect Jean-Michel Duacancelle and inspired by villain Karl Stomberg’s pad from the 1977 James Bond flick “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
“The strange floating saucer in which the famous British spy was sailing in the 10th movie of the James Bond franchise started my obsession,” the designer, who watched the film when he was 15 years old, told Robb Report.
It took over five prototypes and around 15 years to complete the 540-square-foot Anthénea, which is furnished with solar panels and powered by 100% clean energy.
The UFO-like structure generates its own energy and is completely self-sufficient. Aside from solar panels, it’s equipped with six powerful batteries that can recharge from the pontoon. A sensor keeps the inhabitant informed about the energy level, and when it’s low, the generating set will take over.
Everything inside the Anthénea is made from sustainable materials, and the structure itself is 100% recyclable, which means it won’t become waste even at the end of its lifecycle. This feature earned the floating condo the 2019 Innovation Trophy from French tourism magazine L’Echo Touristique.
The domed vessel fuses seamlessly with its marine environment with an innovative anchoring system and sand screw that doesn’t damage the ocean floor.
The Anthénea is also equipped with a saltwater filtration system and a US Coast Guard-approved waste treatment system. This allows it only to produce what it needs, and it can also release clean water back into ocean.
“I am passionate about the idea that tomorrow’s habitat will absolutely have to be eco-friendly and be put at the heart of our natural environment,” Duacancelle said.
Its makers claim that the Anthénea’s construction is more stable than a boat. It can also withstand a cyclone (depending on where it’s docked), and the insulation allows it to handle temperatures ranging from -22° to 104° Fahrenheit.
“It’s a new way to live, a new concept of a habitat that is ecological,” said Duacancelle. “There is no gasoline, no electricity, no water. The Anthenea is able to generate its own energy. It’s luxury and comfort, while still being eco-friendly.”
The futuristic pod has a wide fiberglass bottom that gives breathtaking views of below. Pierre Cardin, a French fashion mogul and investor in the company, designed its luxurious interior.
The Anthénea offers space for either two adults or a family of four and consists of three living areas. It features a floating living space with a plush couch, a minibar and an underwater window. Curved furniture is covered with waxed concrete.
The bedroom features a circular bed, a freshwater or seawater bathtub, and a circular bed.
The relaxation area above comes complete with a 360° solarium on its rooftop for 12 people. The rooftop’s adjustable sun shade makes it more comfortable to lounge on during the day.
Other options include a wood-burning stove or a desalination unit.
The floating pod can be moored like a regular vessel so that owners can move it as needed. It’s also fitted with electric propulsion pods and can be driven with a joystick by anybody, whether or not they have navigational knowledge or experience.
“Offering a new form of tourist experience between underwater vision and land exploration, Anthénea allows the traveller to discover unsuspected territories and live unexplored experiences while unfolding the thread of the intimate: the link with nature and with oneself,” says the company.
Individuals and hoteliers can buy their own Anthénea for a cool $535,000. For more information about this amazing luxury pod, you can visit the website.
Here’s the Anthénea in action.
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