A YOUNG architect from Harrow has designed a novel way of beating overcrowding in London, a home that floats on water.

Sphere is a self-contained carbon-fibre bubble, with a kitchen, bathroom and living facilities powered by solar panels.

It is the brainchild of Marcin Panpuch, 29, who has earned a commendation for the project from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Marcin, of Roxborough Park, Harrow, has been fascinated by the idea of waterborne houses since he spent time designing yachts in his native Poland.

He said: "London is a crowded city, and most new building is progressing eastwards, from Docklands to the Thames Estuary.

"When you think about it, there is a lot of water that is uninhabited and this could be the way to solve future housing problems."

His three-floor design, which is about 12 metres in diameter, is transparent with a central core containing a spiral staircase, kitchen and toilet. Waste products are stored on board while the house is afloat and can be released when it is docked.

The spherical shape means that the house would have 25 per cent less surface area than a cube of comparable size, and would therefore reduce heat loss. As Marcin explained, the sphere is powered by renewable energy: "The sphere has retractable solar panels that can cover the windows, giving you privacy inside and providing energy for the house," he said.

"The climate doesn't matter because solar panels will work as long as it is light, and it will be stable enough not to wobble too much whatever the conditions."

The houses are designed so that they can be stacked together in a tower based around a crane, and detached when the owners wish. Another exciting prospect is that the unit is mobile, which might make the daily commute a more interesting affair.

"The river could take you and your house everyday from the suburbs of London to the centre without the need for high-energy consumption," Marcin said. "The house itself could become a mode of transport.

"London is one of the cities that grew from the river and a great deal of its development has happened thanks to the river.

"Recently, Londoners have turned their backs on the river, because of the pollution, but perhaps if people feel more involved with the Thames they become more responsible for its quality."

Marcin has lived in England for four years, since coming to London to finish his studies at the University of Central London. He will not be fully qualified until next year, but has already gained experience working for Norman Foster's company, Foster and Partners.

His sphere was highly commended in the "unbuilt" category of RIBA's recent awards, and the designs are on display at the institute's exhibition in Portland Place, London.

Marcin hopes to market the design and is looking for potential investors. He expects the futuristic homes to sell for between £30,000 and £50,000, a very competitive price tag in the current housing market.

A RIBA spokeswoman said: "Marcin's concept is very innovative, and looks ahead to a time when the water level in London may be higher and we are looking for new ways to live."

Journalist Mark Lawson, who presented Marcin with his certificate at a ceremony at City Hall, said: "The design of new housing in cramped and expensive cities is an area of architecture in which I have always been especially interested, and I'm delighted to present prizes which encourage new thinking about living in cities."

For more information about Marcin and his projects, visit www.marcinpanpuch.com.