The dream

A dream is to come true: The old cargo ship Edelweiss, which lies next to my ship, is to become a place of healing and encounter.

My new project, "Edelweiss", starts in April 2024 and is an ambitious construction project to transform my dusty neighbouring ship into a lively space for energy and events.

How did the purchase come about?

My gaze swivels to the shore. My neighbouring boat is moored there. It's significantly larger than my houseboat, which measures a mere 25×4 metres in comparison. But under the rusty surface lies a lot of potential. As Coach I love to bring out the hidden beauty in people, to tease out their full potential.

My motto is:

Making people, trees and companies grow!
Preferably as many as possible. I dream of millions!

Read more about my overarching vision in my 2023 annual review

So why not a neighbouring ship?

2012 I ventured into the adventure for the first time to build a ship myself. I moved in in 2016, but continued to work on some unfinished areas until 2018. I live and work as a coach on my current ship.

It's exactly what I've always dreamed of: a place where people can come to take time out. Where I help them through coaching to gain a strong new perspective on their lives. In my book: Cast offI'll tell you how I realised my dream of owning a houseboat in Berlin.

I knew my prayers had been answered when I was able to buy my second ship. This project of the heart may keep me busy for two years or more. But the vision I have in my heart is worth it. Not just for economic reasons, but because it will have added value for many.

Vision on an area 40 metres long and 5 metres wide

A huge main room, measuring 23 x 4 metres and a lofty 3 metres high, is complemented by an inviting anteroom, garnished with a cosy bistro and a snug kitchenette for socialising. The core vision consists of the following two points:

Edelweiss Energy: A health centre where chronically exhausted and sick people can receive support and relief. In the former cargo hold. 

Edelweiss Event: A space for meetings, meals, concerts and events. In a newly created glass structure. 

The aim is to transform Edelweiss into a magical place that not only lights up your eyes and invites you to celebrate, but also warms your heart and restores your weak body.

Your support is needed!

I am deeply convinced that with your loving support, Edelweiss will become not just a place, but a living dream that unites community, creativity and unforgettable moments under its newly constructed roof. More than a building project, it is the birth of a place that writes stories and connects hearts.

The stages to the destination 

• Stage 1: Remove rusty roof, build stable new roof 
• Stage 2: Renovate and extend lower floor and vestibule 
• Stage 3: Set up and remove 2nd floor

Carrying the dream together 

For everything to work well, a lot of material, practical help and finances are required. I will list examples of points in the individual areas. In general, you can provide financial support, materials or practical help. How wonderful that we will carry such a great vision together!

You can continue reading or click directly on the area that interests you the most

Material and tool requirements  // Helping out // Carry along

Material requirements

There is a great need for material for a project like this. Please get in touch with me if you can get material at a lower price or perhaps have some left over and can lend it to me or maybe even give it to me. 

Tools

I need some tools for example.

• Hydraulic work platform
• Compressor 
• Cable reel
• You can find the complete list of requirements here

Probably a lot more that I haven't thought of yet. If you have access to materials or ideas, please write to me. Or take a look at the list to.

Collaboration 

I need all kinds of help for the expansion.
Expertise is of course wonderful, but not a prerequisite. We'll explain everything to you. 

There are three ways to help

Construction camps

The Construction camps are your opportunity to put your gifts to good use in community with others. But even if crafts are not your thing: There will be a suitable task for everyone. Being part of something bigger together in nature. There will be great conversations and perhaps formative encounters. You can come at any time. From April, there will always be a building camp with me on the last weekend of the month. Input in the morning, campfire or fireplace in the evening. 

Get involved - in a place of inspiration and encounters, be part of it!

You are welcome to register for one of the construction camps.
You can find the dates on our Appointment page 

If you can help with this, please send an e-mail or register directly here

Flexible times
Or you can come to another appointment by arrangement with me.

You are welcome to stay for a longer period of time - a few days or weeks.
Write with pleasure an e-mail to me

Communication
Maybe you're not that handy, but you're on social media or have a blog or a podcast or make videos.
Perhaps you would like to write about the project or do an interview with me.

Or communication with God. Perhaps you would like to pray for the project or for me.
If you can help with this, please write a Mail to me

Expertise 

• Architecture / Plans
• Floor laying
• errands 
• Electrics
• Here is a list of all areas of expertise

Carry along (Material and finances)

A project of this size is currently beyond my financial means - especially in the initial phase, when money is only being spent and none is coming in.

Stages of the expansion that require financing

Stage 1 

• Roof: Dismantling the corrugated iron roof, building a waterproof, stable roof: 100 square metres - one square metre = approx. 100 € for wood + 25 € for paint 
• Floor: Rust removal and painting + laying a new floor: 80 square metres - approx. 40 euros per metre 
• Walls: Insulation and cladding of the walls: approx. 400m2 - 20 euros per metre 
•  Skilled labour hour (timber construction, electrics, welding): from 20 - 70€ 

How you can help with the financing

Shopping
Every purchase (books, courses, webinars) in the Down to Earth shop helps to cover the construction costs: https://down-to-earth.de

Eat rust!

You heard right. It works. Every rust bucket you buy helps to transform rust into a beautifully renovated part of the ship. You can buy my special chocolates in organic quality at €9.99 per pack. in the shop buy.

Take part in crowdfunding

I'm planning a crowdfunding campaign in March / April to finance the expansion. You'll get great thank-you gifts for your participation. Information will follow. 

Give
If you would like to help by funding a pot of paint, a staff hour or one or a few square metres of roof, I would be delighted.
 

There are two ways to do this: 

• Paypal: info@down-to-earth.de or 
• Account: Kerstin Hack: IBAN: DE07500310001069388007, BIC: TRODDEF1XXX at Triodos-Bank.
  Note: The extension is a private project, I cannot issue donation receipts. 

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!

Your captain Kerstin Hack