Experience ocean life in floating apartments.

Panama will be home to the world's first floating SeaPods community, with the newly launched vessel currently submerged at Linton Bay Marina in Colon.

Designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthius, these aquatic homes are expected to bring green living spaces out into the open sea, opening up new limits of habitation for humans while addressing the shortage of real estate along the coast.

Each SeaPods unit is built on a single structure nearly 2.5 meters above sea level, thanks to a system of air-filled tubes that provide buoyancy. Each apartment has three levels of living space, including a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

With a total floor area of ​​up to 77 m²²for interior space with window area of ​​53 m²²Each Seapod unit features an impressive balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views and a vibrant ocean experience.

Grant CEO Romundt hopes the design will challenge perceptions of housing and tourism, and allow people to live on the water without having to sacrifice "the luxuries of modern life."

He told CNN: “Typically when you live on the water, it’s on a boat, which is an unacceptable living situation for most people. So we designed a floating house that gives you the experience of living on land, but even more than that.”

Each of these beachfront apartments will be equipped with smart devices that allow owners to control everything from turning on lights and locking doors to even adjusting the water pressure in the shower with just a wave of their hand.

If you're wondering whether you'll need to go ashore every day to get food and supplies, don't worry. Food, necessities, luggage, and belongings will be delivered directly to residents' homes via drones and automated vehicles.

Initially, these pods will be located in an area near Linton Bay Marina. However, the Ocean Builders team hopes to distribute them globally, believing that the technology can be supported elsewhere.

According to Romundt, the drones will be used to deliver items such as food and medicine, as well as "smaller everyday items." For larger deliveries, there is a separate autonomous vessel, which will also function as an ocean recycling ship, collecting trash and debris to keep the surrounding area clean.

Residents and visitors can be transported to and from SeaPods via sampan, jet ski, local water taxi, or their own boat or vessel. And while they certainly seem geared towards those with a more minimalist approach, there is still a 1,250-square-foot storage area inside.

With a focus on sustainability, the Pod was conceived to "benefit the surrounding environment" and provide "a natural habitat for marine life to live and thrive".

If you're wondering whether you'll need to go ashore every day to get food and supplies, don't worry. Food, necessities, luggage, and belongings will be delivered directly to residents' homes via drones and automated vehicles.

Ocean Builders claims their sea-based homes also have an ecological restorative effect. Beneath each SeaPods, a natural habitat for marine life is established. The home provides shade for barnacles and coral to thrive, ensuring that while you get a cool new home, so do the fish in the ocean.

The first housing unit in the project will be located in Panama in the first year. After that, Ocean Builders will expand the project to other ocean communities.

Starting prices range from $295,000 to $1.5 million per SeaPods unit, depending on the configuration. The first 100 units are expected to be operational next year, and the number is projected to increase to 1,000 by 2024.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao