These next-level underwater villas are making waves

Kate Springer, CNN
4 minute read
Updated 5:22 AM EST, Wed March 1, 2017
The Floating Seahorse villas take the houseboat concept to the next level. For starters, each three-story retreat features an entire floor submerged beneath the sea. Brought to life by Kleindienst real estate and property developers, the villas are part of the Heart of Europe resort opening off the coast of Dubai.
The Floating Seahorse, Dubai —
The Floating Seahorse villas take the houseboat concept to the next level. For starters, each three-story retreat features an entire floor submerged beneath the sea. Brought to life by Kleindienst real estate and property developers, the villas are part of the Heart of Europe resort opening off the coast of Dubai.
Kleindienst/Floating Seahorse
On the outside hull, the architects used three main components: Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), steel, and acrylic. Connecting the acrylic to the hull was another challenge, as it required a highly flexible, long-lasting sealant that only about three companies in the world make -- of those, only one supplier was able to match the project's technical requirements. 
The Floating Seahorse, Dubai —
On the outside hull, the architects used three main components: Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), steel, and acrylic. Connecting the acrylic to the hull was another challenge, as it required a highly flexible, long-lasting sealant that only about three companies in the world make -- of those, only one supplier was able to match the project's technical requirements. 
Kleindienst
Stretching across three levels, Floating Seahorse villas include two underwater bedrooms, an outdoor sun deck, and a rooftop with a glass-bottom Jacuzzi. Around 50 floating abodes will be ready to welcome guests at the end of this year, with a total of 131 villas expected by the end of 2017. 
The Floating Seahorse, Dubai —
Stretching across three levels, Floating Seahorse villas include two underwater bedrooms, an outdoor sun deck, and a rooftop with a glass-bottom Jacuzzi. Around 50 floating abodes will be ready to welcome guests at the end of this year, with a total of 131 villas expected by the end of 2017. 
Kleindienst/Sharbeen Sarash
At just 9.5 centimeters thick, the floor-to-ceiling underwater windows make it seems like there's nothing between you and the fish. However they're not made of glass, as that would cause distortion and could not withstand the water pressure. Instead, the team looked to aquariums and submarines and used acrylic for its durability and crystal-clear views. <br />
The Floating Seahorse, Dubai —
At just 9.5 centimeters thick, the floor-to-ceiling underwater windows make it seems like there's nothing between you and the fish. However they're not made of glass, as that would cause distortion and could not withstand the water pressure. Instead, the team looked to aquariums and submarines and used acrylic for its durability and crystal-clear views. 
Sharbeen Sarash
Inspired by the mysteries of the deep, Kleindienst studied underwater projects for decades until he finally had the chance to bring his vision to life in 2008, as part of the "The World" project off the coast of Dubai.
The Floating Seahorse, Dubai —
Inspired by the mysteries of the deep, Kleindienst studied underwater projects for decades until he finally had the chance to bring his vision to life in 2008, as part of the "The World" project off the coast of Dubai.
Kleindienst
Designed by Singapore-based architect Dymitr Malcew, The Floating House aims to make the nomad life as leisurely and luxurious as possible. Each home is fully sustainable, built with its own water purification system and solar panels for electricity.
The Floating House —
Designed by Singapore-based architect Dymitr Malcew, The Floating House aims to make the nomad life as leisurely and luxurious as possible. Each home is fully sustainable, built with its own water purification system and solar panels for electricity.
Dymitr Malcew
When building The Floating House, one of architect Dymitr Malcew's main goals was to complement the surroundings. Taking inspiration from nature, the design accentuates the landscape, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls and an abundance of wood. Each room has easy-access to a wrap-around terrace, and enormous windows let in lots of natural light.<br />
The Floating House —
When building The Floating House, one of architect Dymitr Malcew's main goals was to complement the surroundings. Taking inspiration from nature, the design accentuates the landscape, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls and an abundance of wood. Each room has easy-access to a wrap-around terrace, and enormous windows let in lots of natural light.
Dymitr Malcew
To enable The Floating House to rise and fall with the tides, architect Dymitr Malcew constructed the home on floating steel pontoons. An engine can be installed upon request, enabling owners to travel the world from the comfort of their own home.
The Floating House —
To enable The Floating House to rise and fall with the tides, architect Dymitr Malcew constructed the home on floating steel pontoons. An engine can be installed upon request, enabling owners to travel the world from the comfort of their own home.
Dymitr Malcew
An ambitious project from Dutch developers ONW/BNG GO, the Citadel is Europe's first floating apartment building. It's part of the New Water development project, which will comprise six floating apartment buildings -- all designed to adapt to flooding and rising water levels.
Citadel, Westland —
An ambitious project from Dutch developers ONW/BNG GO, the Citadel is Europe's first float