Genesis is a wide-beam barge designed for the Diocese of London as a multi-use space to navigate London's canals.

The boat features an 8.5 metre long kinetic roof inspired by church organ bellows in response to the brief's call for "conspicuous presence" and the need to pass under the bridges of the Regents' Canal.

The challenge of the innovative bellows was overcome through the collaborative effort of the design team including architects, a naval architect, England's oldest sailmaker and one of the Thames' most renowned boatbuilders.

The resultant design is as functional as it is full of joy.

This project has been longlisted in the civic and cultural interior category of Dezeen Awards 2021.

Designer: Denizen Works
Project: The Floating Church