A Place on the Water: 4 Inspiring Designs

Living near water has an undeniable allure. Be it a river, lake, or even an sea, bodies of water supply relaxation, a unique vista, and the opportunity for diversion. This ideabook rounds up a few homes next to waterways, considering how they address the gloomy backyards. These examples move closer and closer into the water, until we’re in fact sitting atop it.

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Robert Young Architects

1. Lake Guest House on Long Island. This house designed by Robert Young Architects is a rather traditional layout for the area, but it will include some modern touches that are crucial to the way it is related to the water.

Robert Young Architects

The Lake Guest House could be put back a little piece from the water’s edge, however it focuses on the water through big porch along with the sliding glass wall that joins inside and outside.

Robert Young Architects

A closer view at the Lake Guest House shows how those perspectives of this water are visible from within in addition to the porch. When you slide open the glass walls, the new smell of this water comes indoors. Note the reflection of the water on the glass walls.

See the main house

Bosworth Hoedemaker

2. Hood Canal Boathouse at Washington State. The boathouse’s water vista is magnificent. Since the doors are strong, having them slide open is essential for taking advantage of this view.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

This small building is situated next to the water’s edge for good reason: it’s a 1950s boathouse that was reconfigured as a place to entertain guests and to store ships. Designed by Bosworth Hoedemaker, the Hood Canal Boathouse is indicated by 2 sets of sliding doors on either side.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

This straight-on view of this boathouse illustrates exactly how spacious the space indoors is.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

Stepping inside the boathouse, we may see the addition of storage and accessibility to the loft above. The space is open and flexible, allowing it to be utilized for a variety of things waterside.

3. Oval Boatdock at Austin. The Shore Vista Oval Waterfall Boatdock by Bercy Chen Studio is a two-story elliptical building across in the nature preserve on Lake Austin. This situation led to the shape that takes in expansive views of the water and beyond.

The lower level serves as the boat dock, but upstairs is an enclosed space and whirlpool bathtub.

The glass railings make sure that perspectives of the green and blue aren’t compromised.

The top-floor space adds some comfort with chairs, tables, plus a wonderful huge fan.

4. Modern Houseboat in Vancouver. Heading around Vancouver, Canada, Coal Harbour is home to a number of Floating Homes.

Here we zoom in on the modern-looking one that is two floors with a roof deck over. Each floor features sliding glass doors and more outdoor space for using this location.

In the top roof deck, the allure of water living — at least for this smiling man — are quite apparent.

See more of this modern houseboat

More: 20 Spectacular Beach Houses
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