Visiting: a MAKUS enthusiast
A unique hob in a unique place. Hans is one of the first MAKUS users and lives on a self-built houseboat in the centre of Amsterdam. Hans, tell us more about your houseboat and your MAKUS!
How do you get to this beautiful houseboat?
“Well, that was a long time ago. I really wanted to live near or on the water. After a lot of searching I found an old, completely run down houseboat but in a very good location. I lived on the old boat for two years, and in the meantime designed and built the new one.”
You might be moored in the most desirable houseboat spot in Amsterdam, how does that feel?
“Privileged! Although 20 years ago, few people recognized how good this place really is. Station, tram, shops, highways, city center and the polder. Everything within a few hundred meters. What I actually like best is a bit more subtle: because the Amstel is so wide here, I have a lot of open air when I look outside. That is so nice: in the middle of the city, lots of water and air around you. ”
Isn't it weird that there are boats constantly sailing through your backyard?
“ That's not too bad, because I'm just in a 'bend' most people sail a bit further away from me and I don't have that much trouble. It's actually quite nice that so many people enjoy the Amstel. As long as they don't sail too fast or make too much noise then I think it's nice.”
You sometimes hear: a houseboat, that's always a hassle. Is that true?
“ No, this is a houseboat, not a ship, but a concrete box. There is simply no maintenance required. I did choose a wooden superstructure, which does need some love and attention, but it would not have been different on land.”
What would you advise people whose dream is to live on a houseboat? “Search, search and search some more. There are still possibilities, especially if you are a bit inventive. It has become more expensive than 20 years ago, but that applies to the whole of Amsterdam.”
Is your boat also built sustainably?
“When I built the boat I was already thinking about sustainability, but more about the materials than about the energy. Everything is made with FSC wood and sustainable materials. The boat is also well insulated. In the beginning I had a few solar panels and a solar boiler but now I finally have a completely energy-neutral home. With a heat pump that takes water from the Amstel. That works great. And with an infrared panel, 400 liter boiler and of course the beautiful MAKUS induction plate!”
You are one of the first cooks on a MAKUS! Where did you see it? “I saw a picture on the internet when it was still in development. For years I had been dreading giving up my sturdy gas hob. But when I saw the beautiful MAKUS induction hob I thought: now you have no more excuses, now you are going to change.”
And now it's on display in your kitchen, are you happy with it?
“Yes! I am very happy with it. Especially because it is not such a big dead, black plate but a beautiful design that really adds something to my home.”
How is the switch from gas to induction for you?
“To be honest, it took some getting used to. All my good pans had to come out and in the beginning I occasionally burned something, because it reacts so quickly, really faster than gas. I've gotten used to it now and it's going great.”
Do you recommend MAKUS to others?
“Absolutely, it is a nice and good concept that can really help in the energy transition. Many people do want to change but it helps if we can make it a bit nicer and more fun.”