Inside Kiboko: A Sustainably Designed Houseboat on London’s Grand Union Canal
About six years ago, a Nordoom feature about the houseboat Chinampa sparked an idea that environmental filmmakers Tristan Vince and his partner of Enclave Films couldn’t shake. Instead of searching for the perfect home, they decided to build one themselves.
This London houseboat embodied their values of ethical sourcing, craftsmanship, and sustainable living. But now, their journey is moving onwards, and this beautiful houseboat has been put on the market.
Moored at Elizabeth Wharf on London’s Grand Union Canal, Kiboko is a purpose-built 60ft x 12ft 6in widebeam completed in 2021.
Every detail has been carefully considered to create a home that feels both deeply connected to nature and beautifully contemporary.
Stepping inside, the warmth of natural timber immediately sets the tone. Responsible sourced wood wraps the interiors, while aged brass fittings from Corston and bespoke joinery add subtle character.
The palette is quiet and tactile, allowing the craftsmanship to take center stage.
The kitchen forms the heart of the home. Custom-built from FSC-certified birch plywood and walnut, it combines generous pantry storage with integrated appliances, creating a space that is as practical as it is beautiful.
Throughout the boat, reclaimed timber from the owners’ family arboretum has been thougtfully incorporated into shelving, the stern doors, and the swan hatch, giving the interiors a personal touch.
Even the handcrafted portholes tell a story, made from water-resistant ancient elm sourced through London timber specialists Fallen & Felled.
The open-plan living space features an impressive two-meter skylight, creating a light and airy atmosphere that you don’t often see in a houseboat.
In the sitting room, bespoke birch shelving adds storage space to the small space while the wooden wall adds a nice feature element.
The sitting area is heated through a minimalist cast-iron Ekol wood-burning stove.
Continuous birch cladding draws the eye towards the bedroom.
The bedroom is intentionally understated, featuring custom shelving crafted from copper and live-edge elm.
The bedroom also gives access to the front deck. In small spaces, you have to be clever with the available space, and in this room, the stairs are fitted with storage.
In the bathroom, Japanese-inspired finger tiles sit alongside birch plywood and solid oak cabinetry, finished using a traditional ebonizing technique that creates a textured black finish while enhancing the oak’s natural durability.
Behind the calm aesthetic lies a home designed for modern, sustainable living. The fully insulated hull, double-glazed windows, Webasto central heating, and wood-burning stove ensure year-round comfort, while a substantial solar array paired with a Victron power system allows the boat to operate comfortably off-grid.
A 500-liter freshwater tank, an advanced filtration system, an integrated washing machine, and a composting toilet make full-time life on the water effortless, whether moored in London or cruising further afield.
The houseboat is listed for £285,000 at Aucoot.