Cliff Top (and bottom) Living

Most of us harbour dreams of retiring in palatial comfort by the sea, but few take the concept as literally as Naval Architect Giancarlo Zema whose vision of coastal living involves taking up residence on a sheer cliff face. The Neptus 60 Cliff Habitat is designed to create a cliff side living environment in harmony with nature both above and below the surface. The futuristic vertical structure consists of four main areas - central living space, observation deck, a dock for boats at water level and an underwater observation globe - connected by a glass elevator and spiral staircase. And there's room to move. The 18m diameter living section offers 250 square meters of floor-space on two levels including a living room with terrace and three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, looking onto the sea.

Most of us harbour dreams of retiring in palatial comfort by the sea, but few take the concept as literally as Naval Architect Giancarlo Zema whose vision of coastal living involves taking up residence on a sheer cliff face.

The Neptus 60 Cliff Habitat is designed to create a cliff side living environment in harmony with nature both above and below the surface. The futuristic vertical structure consists of four main areas - central living space, observation deck, a dock for boats at water level and an underwater observation globe - connected by a glass elevator and spiral staircase.

And there's room to move. The 18m diameter living section offers 250 square meters of floor-space on two levels including a living room with terrace and three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, looking onto the sea.

The upper Observation deck is also split-level and sits 20m above sea level to provide a comfortable and private viewing area. The most radical element of Zema's design, the underwater globe, is equal in size to the upper deck at 80 square meters and includes underwater lighting and diver lock-out options and the wharf for small craft at surface level completes the amphibious versatility of the dwelling.The Neptus 60 - a name inspired by the Neptusis, a shellfish that thrived in the oceans over 500 million years ago - can be modulated and anchored on every sort of cliff and is exclusive to Canadian based Underwater Vehicles Inc. Visit www.sub-find.com for more information or see the next Print Edition of GIZMO to learn more about this and other fantastic Zema projects.