Boathouse, prominent on the sea by Prentiss+Balance+Wickline Architects

Date of Publishing: October 21, 2022

Contents

Architecture Design of Boathouse

Description About The Project

Boathouse designed by Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects, lightly landing at the edge of the sea, this house draws beauty and meaning directly from its surroundings. Also, creates a place to contemplate, gather, and observe.

This house replaces a dilapidated, haphazardly constructed structure. This replacement of one built structure with another was done with a strategy aimed to naturalize the shoreline. Also, removing the 400 square feet of concrete and creosote-coated piles from the water and replacing it with the 4 square feet of thin steel that supports the new structure.

In addition to this, the shoreline restoration included the removal of a concrete breakwater and a significant number of old tires and detritus captured by the old structure’s foundation, replace it with a native rock substrate. The new dock and ramp were carefully tuned to avoid and span beyond the beds of eelgrass, and design details such as the wood – grated decking were crafted to allow light to permeate through the structure to marine life below.

On the other hand, as one approaches the Boathouse from the land, it is barely visible through the trees; a dip in the topography together with the roof geometry serves to tuck the building into the landscape. Upon entry, the house opens dramatically to the Salish Sea. The ash ceiling draws a direct line to the view through glass walls and sliding glass corner doors. Services are tucked landward in a wood – clad volume, with windows strategically placed to highlight views of treetops and moss – covered stones. Steel accents notch into the wood volume to articulate the kitchen, fireplace, and shelving.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: Boathouse
Location: San Juan Islands, Washington State, United States
Project Year: 2021
Area: 634 ft²
Designed by: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Interior Design: LeeAnn Baker Interiors

Boathouse, prominent on the sea by Prentiss+Balance+Wickline Architects

The Boathouse Gallery:

Text by the Architects: Located in the San Juan Islands, the Boathouse stands foremost as a threshold between water and land, an idea it embraces literally by providing upland access to those arriving by boat or seaplane, and figuratively through its location and form. It straddles the elements, providing an entryway as well as a dramatic spot for a morning cup of coffee or a crab boil with the extended family.

Photo credit: Andrew Pogue, Taj Howe | Source: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 224 W Galer St Ste Main, Seattle, WA 98119, United States
– Tel: +1 206-283-9930
– Email: info@pbwarchitects.com