This Breezy Floating Home Makes the Most of a Tranquil Setting Along Seattle’s Portage Bay

The article details the transformation of a 100-year-old shanty site in Seattle's Portage Bay into a modern floating home by Suzanne Stefan, a principal at Studio DIAA, and her husband, Raanan Schnitzer. This floating house is one of approximately 500 remaining in the city, originally built in the 1920s as inexpensive lodging. The couple, with a new baby, decided to renovate the property, which Schnitzer had owned for years, and move in full-time, embracing a lifestyle on the water despite the common reluctance for families with young children. The renovation project posed a significant challenge: working within the home's original 650-square-foot footprint to avoid lengthy permitting processes. This constraint necessitated a highly efficient and clever design to accommodate two bedrooms, living areas, and a kitchen. Stefan's approach focused on maximizing interior space by strategically utilizing the exterior. A wraparound cedar deck extends the usable square footage, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the rooms contribute to a sense of openness and spatial expansion, providing dynamic views of the surrounding water and its light reflections. Key design elements include an 11-foot, 6-inch gable that extends over the open kitchen, dining room, and main bedroom, creating an impression of generosity in an otherwise compact space. Every piece of furniture in the home is custom-made to fit the precise dimensions and needs of a small living area. Examples include a narrow walnut dining table, an L-shaped sectional sofa, and beds with soft bases that incorporate hidden storage, ideal for stowing seasonal items. The aesthetic of the home is defined by a minimal and buoyant palette. Whitewashed oak flooring and cabinetry, tongue-and-groove pine walls, and a stainless steel kitchen contribute to a light and airy atmosphere. Stefan consciously avoided heavy materials like concrete and stone, which she found felt out of place in other float homes, opting instead for finishes that evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity, harmonizing with the aquatic environment. The home features custom stainless steel elements, such as a waterfall island countertop and backsplash with a built-in spice shelf, crafted by Oxbow Fabrication and Helve House. Specific design details are highlighted, such as the use of Davide Groppi lights and custom curtains made from Holland & Sherry washed linen in the living room. Windows by LaCantina are large to counteract the eight-foot ceilings, and artwork by Joseph Goldberg and David Pompa side tables add character. The kitchen includes a Foscarini pendant, Liebherr fridge, and Miele dishwasher and range, complemented by vintage Thonet stools. The dining area features a custom table by Studio DIAA fabricated by Dovetail, vintage Thonet chairs, and a Franke sink with a Watermark faucet. A CrystaLite skylight in the bathroom provides natural light and ventilation, while Ann Sacks tiles and Zucchetti fixtures complete the space. The exterior features a steel wall sculpture by Peter Millett and a Hammocktown hammock, emphasizing the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. The overall design successfully creates a tranquil and highly functional living space that embraces its unique floating context. #FloatingHome #SmallSpaceDesign #SeattleArchitecture #CustomFurniture #RenovationProject #StudioDIAA #MinimalistDesign #WaterfrontLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

The Pura Vida Floating Home, located on Seattle’s Portage Bay, is a modern architectural creation by Hoshide Wanzer Architects and built by Dyna Builders. This project replaces an old houseboat and embodies the Costa Rican concept of 'pura vida,' emphasizing simplicity, balance, and a connection to nature while addressing the specific challenges of water-based living. The foundation for this floating home is a reinforced concrete float, providing long-term stability and modern utility access for plumbing and electrical systems. The home was constructed at Dyna’s Ballard shipyard and then carefully transported to its current location, highlighting the precision required for floating architecture in Seattle's intricate waterways. Spanning 1,780 square feet of interior space and featuring an additional 820-square-foot rooftop deck, the Pura Vida Floating Home is designed for efficiency and adaptability. Its rectangular form maximizes the available footprint, and large glass walls on the main level seamlessly merge the indoor and outdoor environments. Every room is strategically oriented to capture the dynamic views of Portage Bay, from the sunrise over Lake Washington to the boat activity on Lake Union. The design incorporates flexible shading systems, operable screens, and sliding glass doors, allowing residents to easily adjust between privacy and an open, engaging atmosphere, whether for private family moments or social gatherings. Inside, the home’s interiors are influenced by its maritime surroundings, featuring materials such as teak cabinetry, white oak floors, and custom-built cabinetry that also functions as architectural transitions between different areas. These warm and natural finishes contribute to a timeless aesthetic and reinforce the home's connection to the local boating community. The upper level houses the primary suite, designed as a tranquil retreat. It is accessible via a double-height staircase illuminated by skylights. This level includes a bedroom with a comfortable window seat that overlooks a green roof. A lower-level library offers another private space, which can be enclosed to provide a secluded escape from the more open living areas. The primary bedroom showcases a thoughtful selection of woods, stones, glass, and resin, chosen to mirror the natural environment visible from the Pura Vida. The rooftop deck serves as an additional living space, balancing outdoor comfort with subtle privacy. This area is equipped with movable furniture, modular tables, and a rolling fireplace, enabling various configurations for different occasions, from quiet evenings to social events. An integrated sedum roof not only enhances the structure's visual appeal but also aids in stormwater management, reflecting an eco-conscious approach to floating home design. The Pura Vida Floating Home exemplifies modern architectural principles applied to unique aquatic living conditions, integrating functional design with aesthetic sensitivity and environmental considerations. The collaboration between Hoshide Wanzer Architects and Dyna Builders resulted in a residence that is both visually striking and highly functional, providing a distinct living experience on Seattle's waters. #FloatingHome #ModernArchitecture #SeattleHomes #WaterfrontLiving #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #PortageBay

The Pocket Laneway House, designed by Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited in Toronto, presents an innovative approach to small urban living. This compact home is uniquely suspended above a quiet laneway, supported by a slender V-shaped column and a mechanical core, creating an open carport beneath. Its exterior features a corrugated galvalume shell that contrasts with the surrounding urban landscape of brick and greenery, while a cedar-lined underside adds warmth. The design prioritizes lightness and integration with its site, specifically addressing the challenge of a mature maple tree. Instead of removing the tree, the architects elevated the home, allowing the tree's roots, water, and air to flow unhindered beneath the structure. This elevation also creates a flexible outdoor space in the open carport, enhancing the site's permeability. A double cantilevered beam contributes to the structure's visual impact, blending dramatic form with practical functionality. The interior of the Pocket Laneway House is conceived with adaptability and privacy in mind, suitable for evolving family needs, including aging in place or accommodating a caregiver. Each detail, from surfaces to fixtures, is chosen for ease of movement and comfort, reflecting a commitment to durable and functional design. The industrial nature of the exterior materials is softened by intentional design choices, such as vibrant color accents and natural wood finishes, which are inspired by the clients' appreciation for folk art and storytelling. This imbues the home with a distinct personality, setting it apart from typical small urban residences. The aesthetic combines a futuristic appearance with familiar elements, drawing inspiration from space-age design and mid-century optimism. Sustainability and utility are core components of the home's design. The carport is prepped for electric vehicle charging, and the elevated design contributes to ecological well-being by reducing runoff and preserving the natural landscape. The modular construction allows the home to adapt to future needs, offering a practical solution for the dynamic nature of urban family life. The design cleverly balances a minimalist aesthetic with sophisticated technical and environmental considerations. For the occupants, the Pocket Laneway House functions not just as an additional living space but as a multi-generational asset, capable of accommodating children's growth, future care requirements, and various creative pursuits. It transforms the rear lot into a resilient and adaptable environment. The design philosophy of Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited for this project is characterized by thoughtful intent rather than overt display. The house seamlessly integrates into Toronto's dense laneway context by strategically lifting and framing urban and family life. This project serves as an example of what can be achieved in small-scale urban architecture through a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetic consideration, and environmental consciousness, creating a quiet, floating home prepared for future changes. #SmallHome #UrbanLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableDesign #FlexibleLiving #TreePreservation #ModernArchitecture #ModularDesign #FamilyHome

This blog post details the renovation of a 1912 historic foursquare home in Pacific Grove, California, undertaken to maximize ocean views and incorporate smart storage solutions due to its small footprint. Interior designer Kristen Pena of K Interiors spearheaded the project for a family whose generational history is rooted in the town. The renovation aimed to honor the home's historic character while modernizing it for family-friendly living. The previous layout was fragmented with a central staircase, resulting in small rooms lacking cohesion. The kitchen and bathrooms were significantly outdated, necessitating a full gut remodel to improve flow and style. The design process began with establishing a color palette that complemented the home's architecture and the surrounding coastal environment. Custom built-ins and storage were integrated throughout the house to accommodate the homeowners' antiques and heirlooms. While the family appreciated bold colors, the chosen scheme was described as rich and saturated, applied in a historically grounded manner. A key alteration involved enclosing the front porch to create a more comfortable space for enjoying the ocean views, particularly given the area's often cold, foggy, and windy conditions. The new living room features custom built-ins and a large window seat designed to offer additional viewing opportunities. The dining room now includes a custom bar with an antique mirror and brass shelving. In the kitchen, a glazed brick tile backsplash extends to the ceiling, and storage is maximized with shelving above the window and doorway. The cabinetry color in the kitchen was specifically selected to extend the color story initiated by the copper countertops. Dining room chair fabric was chosen for its durability and resemblance to textiles collected during the homeowner's travels, making it suitable for frequent family and guest use. The first floor also encompasses a guest bedroom and bathroom. Moving upstairs, the primary bedroom is adorned with grasscloth wall covering and blue painted millwork. The primary bathroom stands out with a freestanding soaking tub and distinctive lighting. A notable artistic element in the primary bathroom is the hand-painted walls and ceiling by Caroline Lizarraga, inspired by the local foggy and cloudy weather, executed in a playful color scheme of blue, green, and purple. The upper floor also houses a children's bedroom and a home office. The office is equipped with a custom daybed and features whale-themed Melville wallpaper by Cole & Son. A third-floor bonus space offers expansive views through skylights that can be opened, creating a versatile indoor-outdoor environment for relaxation and small gatherings. Post-renovation, the home spans 2,095 square feet, boasting four bedrooms and three bathrooms, an increase from its original configuration. The homeowners express satisfaction with their revitalized seaside residence, anticipating many years of memory-making. The home was recognized with a Heritage House Award by the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove in 2024, acknowledging its successful blend of historical preservation and modern functionality. #SeasideHome #PacificGrove #HomeRenovation #OceanViews #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #CustomBuiltIns #CoastalLiving #FamilyFriendlyDesign

This article showcases a Harwich Port home on Cape Cod that has undergone a significant renovation to fully embrace its oceanfront location. The interior design, spearheaded by Cambridge interior designer Tricia Luong, focuses on integrating the sea views into every aspect of the living space. The homeowners, a young family of three, purchased the 5,478-square-foot house, originally built in 1992, with the goal of making the ocean a central element of its design. The renovation involved opening up and brightening the space, strategically adding new windows to maximize the views. A fluid layout was implemented on the first floor to encourage easier movement and enhance visibility from the kitchen through the living areas to the outside. Luong meticulously planned the height of every light fixture and minimized window treatments facing the water to ensure an unobstructed connection to the ocean. The design aesthetic is a subtle coastal vibe, eschewing traditional nautical clichés. Luong incorporated muted blues, touches of turquoise, rattan, brass, and natural fibers like linen and seagrass throughout the home. Examples include a Cisco Home bed reupholstered in Villa Nova’s “Calvia River” fabric and Phillip Jeffries’s “Vinyl Magnetism” wallcovering in “Slate Current” in the bathroom, creating a sophisticated marine influence without being overpowering. The primary bathroom features white cabinets, Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, and Made Good mirrors adorned with small shells, radiating metallic and bright elements. Unique architectural features include circular windows in vaulted dormers above the dining room and primary suite, resembling portholes, which elevate the vantage point and draw in more light. Accordion glass doors in the cabana room provide direct access to the pool area and invite the ocean breeze indoors. An ombre bar-height dining table by Aronson Woodworks encourages casual interaction and fluid movement, complementing a round Made Goods table in the dining room used for game nights. Texture plays a crucial role in achieving the desired coastal feel, adding richness and warmth to the largely monochromatic palette. Concrete coffee tables, a weathered teak chaise, a rattan vanity, and white oak lining the walls and ceilings contribute to a minimalistic, serene vacation home atmosphere. The homeowners envisioned a bright and beautiful space with crisp whites and medium-toned blues, reflecting the ocean's colors and embodying a sense of relaxation and calmness, rather than strong contrasts. The project was executed by Cape & Islands Construction Co., with interior design by Tricia Luong Design and photo styling by Sean William Styling. #HomeDesign #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HarwichPort #CapeCodHome #OceanView #RenovationProject #LuxuryHome #TriciaLuongDesign

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 beachside home in Ventura, California, which was purchased by a Los Angeles-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab to revitalize the property, which was initially described as "clunky" with irregular shapes and compartmentalized social areas. Diab's primary goal was to celebrate the existing geometry of the space while introducing a sense of flow and movement, despite the house's three-story layout and numerous stairs, which often made it feel disjointed. The design strategy focused on enhancing the home's inherent curves and improving its functionality without undertaking major structural changes. The house features guest bedrooms on the lower level, living, dining, and kitchen areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab addressed the 'clunky' feel by creating design 'moments' throughout the house, aiming to give the illusion of seamless movement. For instance, a funky stairwell niche was transformed into a calming focal point using textured plaster walls, a sculptural side table, and a decorative clamshell, encouraging occupants to pause and appreciate the space. In the guest bedrooms, located on the beach level, Diab aimed to create a hotel-suite ambiance. This was achieved by incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A custom-cushioned panel, sourced from Drop It Modern fabric, inspired the design of a three-ball side table. This table, originally an inexpensive piece, was spray-painted to mimic a high-end designer item, demonstrating a resourceful approach to budget-conscious design. The lofted main bedroom, initially narrow and awkward, was made more inviting with a custom channel-tufted headboard that introduced horizontal lines, visually broadening the space. The kitchen's design also incorporated the theme of movement and connection to the surroundings. A new marble countertop and backsplash, featuring dark green and gray veining, were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The visible edges of the shelves were meticulously book-matched to create a swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to ensure easy access to essentials like coffee and mugs for guests. Storage was a significant consideration, especially since the homeowners needed to accommodate up to 15 people. Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing to not only stock the home with family favorites but also to design and install custom cabinets. These cabinets, framing the dining nook, provided ample storage for pantry items and dishes, essential for entertaining large groups. The curved theme was extended to the hardware, with Park Studio handles adorning both the kitchen cupboards and bedroom closets, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout the home. #BeachHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CurvedDesign #SpacePlanning #CoastalDecor #StorageSolutions #JessDiabStudio #VenturaHome

This article details the transformation of a circa-1980 Ventura, California, beach house, purchased by an LA-based couple with two young children at the beginning of the pandemic. The homeowners enlisted designer Jess Diab, formerly a project manager for Sarah Sherman Samuel, to redesign the space. The house, which was the only oceanfront property available at the time, presented a unique design challenge due to its irregular shapes, compartmentalized social areas, and a 'clunky' three-floor layout. Diab's design philosophy centered on celebrating the home's existing geometry, particularly inspired by its swooping entry stairwell. The primary goal was to enhance the sense of flow throughout the three-story structure without undertaking major structural changes. The layout includes guest bedrooms on the lower, beach-level floor, living, dining, and cooking areas on the middle floor, and a partially open, lofted main bedroom. Diab aimed to create numerous "moments" and visual movement to counteract the feeling of simply navigating a series of staircases. Key design elements and strategies implemented by Diab included plastering the walls of a funky stairwell niche to create a soothing, textured aesthetic. This area was further adorned with a sculptural side table and a large decorative clamshell, designed to encourage a momentary pause before guests exit the home. In the guest bedrooms on the ground floor, Diab opted for a hotel-suite ambiance, incorporating simple nightstands and pendant lights. A notable design choice in these rooms involved custom cushioned panels framing the headboard, inspired by Drop It Modern fabric. A black side table, originally an inexpensive find, was spray-painted to elevate its appearance and complement the graphic patterns in the room. The lofted main bedroom initially suffered from a long, narrow configuration, resembling a 'bowling alley' where the bed could only be placed on one wall. To mitigate this awkward orientation, Diab introduced a custom channel-tufted headboard to visually expand the room with horizontal lines. In the kitchen, a new marble countertop and backsplash featuring dark green and gray veining were selected to evoke the Pacific Ocean. The slab yard meticulously book-matched the visible edges of shelves to create a continuous, swirling, watery effect. An upper shelf was strategically placed to keep essentials like coffee and mugs accessible for guests. Addressing storage concerns, Diab collaborated with professional organizer Julianna Strickland of Space Camp Organizing. Beyond stocking the house with the family's preferred snacks, the project involved building custom cabinets to accommodate surplus kitchen items. Given the homeowners' need to host up to 15 people, Strickland designed extra storage around the dining nook for pantry items and dishes. The curved theme was extended to these cupboards, which were finished with Park Studio hardware, a detail replicated in the bedroom closets. The collaboration with Strickland reportedly brought a sense of calm and order to the home's functional aspects. #HomeRenovation #BeachHouseDesign #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #SpacePlanning #CurvedArchitecture #VenturaCalifornia #JessDiabStudio #StorageSolutions

Kimo and Sarah Bertam, after being outbid on traditional homes, discovered a passion for floating homes after renting a houseboat in the Bay Area’s Mission Creek. This experience, fueled by their shared love for water—Kimo as a surfer and Sarah from childhood summers on a sailboat—led them to commission architect Robert Nebolon for their own floating home project. Despite Nebolon’s lack of prior floating home experience, his background in building near and on water made the transition seamless. The 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom floating house was constructed on land over six months before being moored in Mission Creek. A primary challenge involved maximizing storage within the limited space while ensuring essential functionalities and managing weight, as the home would not move once in place. The resulting structure, inspired by the area's industrial heritage, features a sculptural, loft-like design that integrates seamlessly with its waterfront surroundings. Its distinctive sawtooth roof and expansive windows optimize space and natural light, creating a bright and airy interior. Architectural elements like the door, staircase, and kitchen incorporate an orange hue, referencing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The home boasts three decks, enhancing its connection to the water. Oversized warehouse-style windows are strategically placed to allow reflections of the water to ripple across the ceilings, further integrating the aquatic environment into the living space. The exterior is clad in 24-gauge metal siding with a fluorocarbon finish, selected for its durability and resistance to fading and chalking for up to 40 years, eliminating the need for periodic painting. This choice also circumvents the difficulty of painting a floating structure. The warehouse-style windows, made of black anodized aluminum with stainless steel hinges, are designed to withstand corrosion. No wood was used on the exterior, except for the finger pier that provides access to the front door and the couple's boat. From the main deck, residents can enjoy views of downtown San Francisco, including AT&T Park. The first-floor deck is furnished with Amazonia Terra teak chairs and IKEA Runnen teak outdoor floor decking. Inside, the living room features Australian cypress flooring with a tung oil finish, a Solas wall-mounted fireplace by Hearth Innovators, and a unique chair by Putra Salahin from Bali. The kitchen is equipped with a Wolf gas range, a white Carrara marble countertop bar, and Cobb Rise & Fall pendants by Original BTC. A custom wine glass holder, designed by the architect, is also present. The orange staircase, fabricated by Stocklin Iron Works and designed by Nebolon, uses steel railings and IKEA wood butcher blocks for treads, aiming to make the ascent to the second floor an engaging experience. The bathroom includes a teak live-edge countertop and a custom yellow cabinet supporting a Duravit double wash basin. A mirror from Restoration Hardware is paired with custom steampunk-style lights designed by the homeowner. The second-floor master bedroom features a custom captain’s bed, designed by the homeowner, with integrated drawers and storage. Its elevated height provides expansive views through the nearby window, contributing to the home's overall sense of openness and connection to its unique aquatic setting. #FloatingHome #WaterfrontLiving #RobertNebolonArchitects #MissionCreek #BayAreaDesign #ModernArchitecture #CustomHome #SustainableDesign #IndustrialInspiration

This article details a remarkable houseboat featured in the 2016 Seattle Modern Home Tour, highlighting its journey from a burnt shell to a marvel of sustainable design. The original boat was destroyed by fire in 2007, leaving only 22-year-old growth cedar logs preserved beneath the water. In 2011, owners Bill and Gloria Bloxom, in collaboration with Michelle Lanker of Lanker Design and designer Gloria Andrade, embarked on a project to rebuild the houseboat with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation. The result is a home that seamlessly integrates luxurious living with innovative ecological features, setting a new standard for modern houseboats. The sustainable aspects of the houseboat are extensive. The walls and roof are designed with maximum insulation thicknesses and minimal air leakage to optimize energy efficiency. The exterior materials were selected for their minimal maintenance requirements and maximum durability, ensuring a long lifespan with reduced environmental impact. A rain screen system, using exterior cement fiber wall paneling, prevents moisture infiltration, further protecting the structure. Energy generation is significantly addressed through a 5.32 KW solar array covering two-thirds of the roof, installed over a standing seam metal roof. The remaining third features a vegetated roof system, which provides additional insulation to the interior space and contributes to biodiversity. Beyond its structural sustainability, the houseboat incorporates unique features aimed at ecological enhancement. Salvaged old-growth cedar logs from the original boat were repurposed into dramatic curved ceilings and other built-in elements, adding a touch of history and natural beauty to the interior. A standout innovation is the inclusion of “floating islands” – in-water planters suspended from the deck structure. These planters are crafted from a recycled plastic material that allows plant roots to grow through and extend into the water below, creating vital fish habitat. Furthermore, this material supports the colonization of beneficial bacteria, which feed on excess nutrients in the water, effectively cleaning it and inhibiting algae growth that could otherwise suffocate aquatic life. The houseboat also boasts an underwater window in its concrete float, allowing residents and guests to observe the aquatic ecosystem, including the floating islands and the marine life they support. This design transforms the houseboat into an observation room, fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding environment. The article implicitly suggests that this houseboat represents more than just a personal dwelling; it is a call to action for shoreline habitat preservation and a showcase of how innovative design can contribute to ecological health, effectively serving as a home for both people and the aquatic ecosystem. #HouseboatDesign #SustainableArchitecture #ModernHomeTour #EcoFriendlyLiving #FloatingIslands #UnderwaterWindow #LakeUnion #SeattleHomes #EnvironmentalDesign

Architects Lebel & Bouliane designed a ground-up residence in Scarborough, Ontario, drawing inspiration from the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs, a geological formation bordering Lake Ontario. The design aimed to evoke both stone and water, using materials that reflect the natural surroundings. The clients, a couple with three young children and an extended live-in family, sought a home that could accommodate multi-generational living, offering both shared spaces for family life and private bedroom suites, with a vision to age in place within the residence. The project, named Meadowcliffe House, was completed over several years, benefiting from the architects' prior experience with similar multi-generational homes featuring extensive stone. Meadowcliffe House is characterized by its dramatic structure, featuring a pair of stone volumes that frame a three-story central atrium. This atrium not only floods the interior with daylight but also offers unobstructed views of Lake Ontario from the moment one enters the front door. The limestone used for the residence was carefully selected and quarried in Owen Sound, Ontario, with Luc Bouliane personally choosing veins for consistency. The stone pieces were meticulously cut and mitered at the quarry for seamless integration between the exterior and interior, reinforcing the connection to the home's natural environment. In addition to limestone, the architects incorporated stainless steel, glass, bronze, and wood to create a flexible and accessible dwelling. The 7,750-square-foot residence encompasses 29 rooms, including six distinct bedroom suites spread across three levels. The ground floor is specifically designed for family gatherings and larger events, featuring a living area that opens directly onto an infinity pool. The interior design emphasizes natural elements, with furnishings kept minimal to complement the architecture and surrounding landscape. Lebel explains that the focus was on simplicity, texture, and scale, utilizing materials such as walnut, oak, metal, and glass, while textiles remained neutral and muted. The property also prioritized the preservation of natural landscape features, retaining over two dozen mature trees and reintroducing native plant species to blend with the Scarborough Bluffs environment. The project successfully created intimate spaces for the immediate family while also providing areas suitable for larger gatherings with extended family members. The master bedroom, for instance, offers expansive views of the lake, enhancing the connection to the natural setting. The use of natural Algonquin Limestone, personally selected by Bouliane, covers 6,350 square feet, ensuring a consistent aesthetic throughout. Notable interior pieces include walnut dining chairs, a table, and a bench by hollis+morris, and a large ash and walnut coffee table by Atelier Dimo, sourced through Montauk Sofa. The integration of the house with its site, the consideration for multi-generational living, and the deliberate material palette highlight the architects' approach to creating a home that is both aesthetically integrated with its surroundings and functionally adaptable for its occupants over time. #ResidentialArchitecture #MultiGenerationalLiving #LakeOntario #ScarboroughBluffs #LebelBouliane #LimestoneConstruction #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome

Ted Kennedy Watson, a Washington-based style expert, author, lifestyle blogger, and proprietor of Watson Kennedy stores, owns a 650-square-foot Vashon Island getaway in Puget Sound with his husband, Ted Sive. The couple named their retreat “WestWard” to personalize the space, a practice Ted highly recommends for any dwelling. Upon purchasing the property, it was in disrepair, characterized by dark interiors and an absence of appealing aesthetics. The couple decided to preserve the existing Americana theme, prompted by a 35-foot flagpole on the property and the home's rich red exterior. The name “WestWard” is subtly integrated into the home's decor, appearing both inside and out, symbolized by a pair of 'W's. To brighten the interior, French doors were installed, significantly increasing natural light. All dark, knotty pine surfaces were painted a crisp white, serving as a neutral backdrop for the red, white, and blue Americana accents. The living room features a sofa and chairs upholstered in ticking stripe fabric, with reversible cushions showcasing a red stripe. French dish towels were ingeniously repurposed to create a slipcover for the ottoman, showcasing creative solutions for furnishing a small space. The home also integrates various collections, such as an assortment of artwork above a red desk painted with stars and stripes. Storage is maximized through functional displays, exemplified by McCoy pottery on bookshelves, which doubles as hidden storage for small items like matches, old birds' nests, keys, and a wallet. The kitchen, designed for two cooking enthusiasts, balances functionality with style. It features stainless steel countertops and open upper shelving for easy access and display of kitchenware. A key element is a butcher-block-topped rolling island, which serves multiple purposes, from a prep station by the sink to a mobile bar on the deck. Creative storage solutions extend to a collection of jam jars, repurposed to store various household items like nuts, spices, and cough drops, highlighting the concept that anything can become a collection. The bedroom continues the nautical theme with seafaring flags, anchor pillows, and vintage lockers used as nightstands. Ted also created a sleeping porch, an outdoor bed in a covered area, ideal for enjoying the outdoors even in the rain. For waterside dining, Ted enjoys mixing vintage patterns for tableware, encouraging the use of mismatched silverware, plates, glasses, and napkins. Unique tabletop decor includes a collection of vintage pool balls, specifically those with the number 11, and natural elements like hydrangea leaves used as place cards. An adjacent tree house features a wall adorned with pages from vintage maritime and bird-watching books, an artistic touch by Amy Duncan that has withstood the elements over time. Despite the home's small footprint, various distinct areas like the downstairs landing, where Ted, Ted Sive, and their schnauzer Bailey relax, contribute to a feeling of spaciousness, ensuring the couple never feels constrained by the size of their home. #TinyHome #PugetSound #VashonIsland #AmericanaDecor #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CreativeStorage #NauticalTheme

This article explores a collection of 11 unique floating homes around the world, showcasing innovative designs that offer an escape from conventional living and a closer connection to nature. These buoyant buildings range from serene boathouses to luxury yacht villas, each designed with a focus on functionality, aesthetics, and environmental integration. The featured homes include "The Salty Dog" in New South Wales, Australia, a two-story wooden boathouse moored in Pittwater. It boasts a modern Scandi interior with whitewashed walls, timber paneling, and a wood-burning stove, accommodating two guests with a loft bedroom for stargazing and an outdoor deck. In Vereda Los Naranjos, Colombia, the "Casa Flotante de Guatapé" is a charming cabana floating on the Guatapé Reservoir. Despite its small size, it features contemporary furniture, an open-plan living space with a large bed, and a glass front that opens to the reservoir, complete with a compact kitchen and a Jacuzzi on the terrace. France offers the "Elaho Spa Cabin," a two-story floating treehouse in Bourgogne Franche-Comté, accessible only by boat. This hexagonal structure provides 360-degree views from its top-level double bedroom and includes a wraparound terrace made from natural timber. On-shore facilities provide hot showers. Quebec, Canada, hosts "Minibora," a modern chalet on a tranquil lake. This 450-square-foot floating home features an open-plan living area, a sleek green kitchen, and a glass garage door that opens to an exterior deck. A spiral staircase leads to sun loungers on the balcony, and a mezzanine bedroom with a netted hammock offers unique views. The "Float Home" in Seattle, Washington, designed by Design Northwest Architects, is part of a community on Lake Union. This 2,100-square-foot residence uses space-saving solutions, features a streamlined layout with polished concrete flooring, Western red cedar, and retractable glass doors providing lakefront views from the upper floor. Amsterdam, Netherlands, showcases two notable floating homes. The "Angular floating house" by i29 is part of the self-sufficient Schoonschip floating village. It uses canal water for heat and solar panels for electricity, featuring a pitched roof, dark-stained timber cladding, and a light-filled interior with extensive glazing and a shaded terrace. The "Watervilla" by +31 Architects, located on the Amstel river, emphasizes the connection between water and interior through a large glass wall that opens to unite both elements. This 2,000-square-foot villa includes a generous outdoor terrace and a basement level with bedrooms, including a master suite with an in-room bathtub. Another Amsterdam entry is the "Tatami House" by Julius Taminiau Architects, influenced by Japanese tatami rooms. Built off-site and transported, its design minimizes waste and features a light-reflective exterior that mirrors the water. The interior boasts a contemporary Japanese aesthetic with built-in storage and multiple levels, including a lower floor partially below the waterline and a rooftop terrace with solar panels. Internationally, Dymitr Malcew's "Floating experience house" is a conceptual design highlighting luxury living on water with a penthouse-like feel. It features three segmented living quarters, extensive floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and a customizable interior, with the entire structure capable of relocation on a floating platform. Finally, a "Luxury floating house" in Øygarden, Norway, offers a lavish stay on a Norwegian fjord. This 2,100-square-foot, six-bedroom house features chic white interiors, laminate flooring, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that provide stunning panoramic views. Multiple lounge spaces, including one with a wall of glass windows, are furnished with cozy, hygge-inspired elements. An "Arkup" zero-emissions yacht villa represents self-sufficient luxury, functioning as a solar-powered electric yacht with a villa structure. Designed to withstand extreme weather, it includes a waste management system, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels for off-grid living, featuring two outdoor decks and four en-suite bedrooms. These examples collectively demonstrate the diversity and ingenuity in floating home architecture, emphasizing sustainable living, unique experiences, and a harmonious relationship with aquatic environments. #FloatingHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableLiving #WaterfrontProperties #UniqueHomes #HomeInnovation #LuxuryLiving #EcoFriendlyHomes #TravelAccommodation

Field Architecture has completed a coastal home in Big Sur, California, characterized by chiseled stone walls and extensive glass, designed to immerse residents in nature. Situated on a rugged peninsula along the Pacific Ocean, the house's layout follows the natural topography, aligning with the cliff face and forming sheltered garden courtyards that provide protection from the elements. The site features existing cypress trees and a ravine, which the house integrates into its design. The residence is conceptually divided into two main sections by the ravine. One side hosts a traditional Japanese entrance pavilion, known as a genkan, while the other contains the primary living spaces of the main house. These two parts are connected by a glass-enclosed bridge that spans the ravine, creating a dynamic transition and offering framed views of the surrounding landscape, thus enhancing the connection between the inhabitants and their natural environment. The design emphasizes orchestrated movement through the house to continually present residents with views of nature. Rising two levels, the home is oriented to the west to maximize panoramic views of the ocean. In contrast, the eastern portion of the structure is partially embedded into the site, housing more private and sheltered rooms. A central kitchen features a sculptural island with organic forms, complementing the natural aesthetic of the home, and adjoins a terrace and an infinity pool, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The material palette primarily consists of wood and stone, chosen for their complementary textures and qualities that echo the local landscape. Facades are clad in quarried limestone, laid in thin courses to mimic the striations found in the region's cliffs. The walls are faceted, resembling chiseled rocky outcrops, which further integrates the architecture with its rugged surroundings. A thin roof plane extends beyond the building's footprint, offering protection from the sun and wind while large expanses of glass allow for expansive views and ample natural light. Clerestory windows, positioned between the walls and roof, ensure continuous natural light throughout the day and across seasons, illuminating the interior spaces. Inside, wide-plank flooring made from reclaimed teak provides a calm and cohesive foundation. Teak is also utilized for the exterior deck and an engawa—a wooden or bamboo ledge typically found in Japanese architecture—which runs along the northern elevation of the main house, facing the ravine. This element further reinforces the architectural dialogue with nature and Japanese design principles. Field Architecture, a firm led by Stan and Jess Field, has a portfolio of California projects including a copper-clad Sonoma Valley house and a synagogue in Palo Alto with a salvaged wood lattice. #FieldArchitecture #BigSurHouse #CaliforniaArchitecture #CoastalHomeDesign #SustainableMaterials #ModernArchitecture #NatureIntegration #LuxuryHomes #ResidentialDesign

A family in Seattle's Hawthorne Hills neighborhood, facing the challenge of outgrowing their 1948 three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with another child on the way, opted for a complete rebuild rather than relocating. The initial plan to remodel and add a second story evolved into a full ground-up reconstruction, allowing for optimal use of existing infrastructure, minimized site disruption, and cost efficiency. The primary design goals, as articulated by Aaron Trampush of Analog Architecture and Design, centered on fostering flow, establishing a strong connection to the backyard, and maximizing natural light throughout the residence. The original house, situated on a corner lot with a detached garage, possessed a large backyard, but its interior felt disconnected, making it difficult for parents to supervise children playing outdoors. The previous layout was characterized by small, poorly connected spaces, limited natural light, and a dark, low-ceilinged unfinished basement. The clients, Steve and Molly, desired an exterior that was distinct yet harmonious with the neighborhood's architectural style, while the interior was envisioned as a warm, kid-friendly, open, and light-filled environment seamlessly integrated with the backyard. Key design elements were implemented to achieve these objectives. The entry was made highly functional with ample storage. A window seat at the top of the stairs, overlooking the street, was incorporated to provide a cozy spot for story time while maintaining privacy and a connection to the community. The floor plan itself was influenced by the family's tradition of playing chase, with pocket doors around the office creating a continuous loop around the staircase, encouraging movement and playfulness. The central feature of the home's design is a light well positioned above the main staircase, which serves to channel sunlight into the heart of the house. The steel staircase, painted white, blends into the background while adding textural interest. The living room, intentionally designed to face the backyard rather than the street, offers a cozy yet open ambiance, complete with a fireplace and stone hearth. Transparent shelving near the windows helps define the space and provide privacy without completely isolating it from the outdoors. The kitchen and dining areas are tailored for both entertaining and daily family life, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open directly to the backyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The dining room, situated beneath a double-height space and catwalk, benefits from its central location and volume, making it suitable for larger gatherings. The home office, dubbed the “control center,” provides a flexible workspace that can be a quiet, focused area or opened up to the rest of the house via sliding pocket doors, incorporating features like a custom-built desk, a through-wall mail slot, and strategic architectural lighting. The primary bedroom offers views of the neighborhood and the University of Washington, complemented by a primary bathroom designed as a spa-like retreat with a soaking tub and steam shower. The overall design emphasizes thoughtful, playful details, functional spaces, and high-quality natural materials in warm tones, creating a comfortable, timeless, and personalized home for the growing family. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the flow, comfort, and meticulous execution of the design and materials.

Perched on a steep Sausalito hillside with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, a unique home known as Lighthouse II, originally designed in the mid-1980s by architect Kirk Hillman, has undergone a significant renovation by San Francisco architect Mark English. The house, one of a pair of 'fraternal twins' with a distinctive pinwheel shape and hexagonal three-story plan, was acquired in 2014 by art and furniture collectors Fred and Robin Seegal. Their primary motivation for purchasing the property was its location and the immersive experience of living on the tram-accessible hillside. The original structure, while charming with its wooden elements and sloping eaves, was characterized by its closed-off, compartment-like rooms. English’s renovation aimed to transform this into an open and light-filled space, maximizing the stunning views without sacrificing the home’s inherent quirks. A major challenge in this endeavor was the property's location on a cliff in an earthquake zone, necessitating the replacement of the original timber frame with a seismic steel structure. This robust new framework was intentionally left exposed in parts, contributing a subtle industrial aesthetic to the otherwise white interiors. To open up the house, English removed most of the interior walls, particularly on the second floor where the kitchen, a central hub for Fred, now boasts a 180-degree view of the bay. Two fireplaces that obstructed the eastern view were also eliminated, and the eaves were raised to accommodate floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. These structural changes effectively dissolved the traditional division of rooms, creating a fluid sequence of spaces where functionality is delineated by furniture arrangement, artwork, varying floor and ceiling heights, and shifts in light. This design approach allows for continuous discoveries and changing perspectives as one moves through the home, offering fresh interpretations of the surrounding bayscape and the couple's extensive art collection. The renovation process, which lasted two years, was complicated by the challenging site. All construction materials, including structural steel, windows, doors, and concrete, had to be transported by barge and then either craned or carried up from the dock. Despite these logistical difficulties and considerable effort, the Seegals found the breathtaking views and the transformation of their home well worth it. Following the successful renovation of Lighthouse II, the couple acquired the adjacent Lighthouse I, with Mark English slated to undertake a similar transformation. #ArchitecturalRenovation #SanFranciscoBay #ArtCollection #ModernHome #SausalitoArchitecture #MarkEnglishArchitects #PinwheelFloorPlan #SeismicUpgrade