The hold of this former 1960s cargo ship in Amsterdam’s IJburg neighbourhood has been turned into a floating loft – complete with moody industrial stylings.

The minimalist design, instead of artificially lighting the space, embraces its low light levels and emphasises the feeling of being in the bowels of a boat. It has all-dark-grey steel walls, deliberately rusted metal fittings and steel and concrete flooring.

The drama is accentuated by chiaroscuro: light filtering in from the houseboat’s windows look intensely bright against the dark interior in the three-bedroom property – for sale for €1.495 million via Amsterdam Sotheby’s International Realty. 

The main space – which serves as an art gallery and a reception room – is part steampunk submarine, part steelworks, with church-like proportions and a boiler-style fireplace.

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