Cooking on a Makus on Amsterdam's most beautiful houseboat spot
Hans is one of the first Makus users. He lives on a self-built house ark on the Amstel, right in the center of Amsterdam. We went to visit him.
How did you end up on this beautiful houseboat?
"I really wanted to live near or on the water. After much searching, I found an old, completely rundown houseboat, but in a very good location. I lived on the old boat for two years, and in the meantime, I designed and built the new one."
The best houseboat spot in Amsterdam
"Privileged! Station, tram, shops, highways, city center, and the polder. Everything within a few hundred meters. But what I actually find most pleasant is more subtle: because the Amstel is so wide here, I have a lot of open air when I look outside. A lot of water and air around you in the middle of the city."
A houseboat, isn't that always a hassle?
"No, this is a house ark, not a ship but a concrete barge. There's zero maintenance on that. I did choose a wooden superstructure, which needs love and attention, but that wouldn't have been any different on land."
Sustainable living on the water
Hans built his boat with FSC wood and sustainable materials, well-insulated and now completely energy-neutral.
"With a heat pump that extracts water from the Amstel. That works great. And with an infrared panel, 400-liter boiler, and of course, the beautiful Makus induction hob!"
From gas to Makus: how did that choice come about?
"I saw a picture on the internet when it was still under development. For years, I had dreaded getting rid of my sturdy gas hob. But when I saw the beautiful Makus induction hob, I thought: now you have no more excuses, now you'll make the switch."
Happy with the result?
"Yesss! I'm very happy with it. Especially because it's not a big dead, black plate but a beautiful design that really adds something to my home."
The switch from gas to induction
"To be honest, it took some getting used to. All my good pans had to go, and in the beginning, I occasionally burned things, because it reacts so quickly, really faster than gas. By now I'm used to it and it's going great."
Does Hans recommend Makus?
"Absolutely. It's a fun and good concept that can really help in the energy transition. Many people want to change, but it helps if we can make it a bit more beautiful and enjoyable."
Finally
Inspired by Hans? Discover how a Makus designer induction hob can also transform your kitchen, or houseboat. View the collection →
