We are creating a series of books on handmade houses called The House that Jack Built. Two have been published so far - one on Treehouses and one on Circle Houses. The third - Freewheeling Homes - is forthcoming later this year. The books are published by Gaia in the UK, and by Chelsea Green Publishing, Vermont in North America. The next is about Floating Homes and this is why I am contacting you.

The series illustrates beautiful, curious and unusual homes where individuals have created personal spaces with soul and spirit and let their creativity run wild. Floating Homes will feature around 20 examples around the world, together with the personal stories of those who built them or had them built. These stories will describe the joys - and sometimes traumas - of creating their own dream homes, however humble and tell the reader what it feels like to build them and live in them, and what inspired them. Above all, they will act as a resource and model to inspire others with confidence to build something with their own hands. A 'Make It' section will also give basic practical guidance on materials and construction, with an emphasis on using ecological and recycled materials, where possible.

If you have built (or have had built) a floating home (or know of others who have), I would very much like to hear from you now. As a first response, please send me some basic details of your project eg. Name, location and when built plus some photos of the completed interior and exterior. If any articles have been published on your project, please send a copy of these too. All photos will be returned after use. If you have a web site, please give me the address.

Later this year, if your floating home is selected, we will need your personal story told in your own words (say about 500 -750 words) covering the aspects mentioned above. We will also need permission to publish photos selected as non-exclusive world rights in all language editions.

OR mail to: