Functional Floating Home
This floating home maximizes its waterfront location with seamless indoor-outdoor living, a unique two-story layout, and a design that prioritizes light and views.
This home, like a lot of newer floating homes in Seattle, was built to max out at 2100 sq. ft., including deck space. The home is ideally located at an end-slip position looking out on a waterway. Fleetwood sliding doors at the front take advantage of unimpeded views of Lake Union, a pocket park on the shoreline, and downtown Seattle, and they allow for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
While most floating homes have an external stair, this one has a unique two-story internal stair leading to an automated skylight/hatch that offers access to the upper-level deck and also brings light into the house. Three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths occupy the upper level, with living spaces on the main level that allow easy access to a recreational float outside.
Because floating homes are strictly regulated for height, the floor assembly is only 7 in. to 8 in. thick to maximize the ceiling height. Nearly invisible built-in pockets around the perimeter of the great room conceal motorized blinds, maintaining the clean lines and minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
The exterior features low-maintenance materials such as wood and painted cementboard, which is not subject to rot or deterioration, while a combination of aluminum-clad Milgard and Fleetwood windows offer durability in this on-the-water location.
| Architect: Dick Clark + Associates | Builder: Four Square Builders |
| Location: Austin, Texas | Photos: Jake Holt |
From Fine Homebuilding #329
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