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A Place on the Water: 4 Inspiring Designs
See how water and views shaped these shoreline escapes
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
Living near water has an undeniable appeal. Be it a river, lake, or even an ocean, bodies of water offer relaxation, a unique vista, and the opportunity for recreation. This ideabook rounds up a few houses next to waterways, looking at how they address the blue backyards. These examples move closer and closer to the water, until we are actually sitting atop it.
See hundreds of beach-home photos | Browse 250K+ home design photos
See hundreds of beach-home photos | Browse 250K+ home design photos
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| 1. Lake Guest House on Long Island. This home designed by Robert Young Architects is a fairly traditional design for the area, but it does incorporate some modern touches that are key to how it relates to the water. |
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| The Lake Guest House might be set back a little bit from the water's edge, but it focuses on the water through large porch and the sliding glass wall that connects inside and outside. |
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A closer view at the Lake Guest House shows how those views of the water are visible from inside as well as the porch. When you slide open the glass walls, the fresh smell of the water comes inside. Note the reflection of the water on the glass walls.
See the main house
See the main house
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| 2. Hood Canal Boathouse in Washington State. The boathouse's water vista is stunning. Because the doors are solid, having them slide open is a must for taking advantage of the view. |
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| This small building is situated next to the water's edge for good reason: it is a 1950s boathouse that was reconfigured as a place to entertain guests as well as to store boats. Designed by Bosworth Hoedemaker, the Hood Canal Boathouse is marked by two sets of sliding doors on either side. |
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| This straight-on view of the boathouse illustrates just how open the space inside is. |
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| Stepping inside the boathouse, we can see the inclusion of storage and access to the loft above. The space is open and flexible, allowing it to be used for various things waterside. |
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| 3. Oval Boatdock in Austin. The Shore Vista Oval Waterfall Boatdock by Bercy Chen Studio is a two-story elliptical building across from a nature preserve on Lake Austin. This situation led to the shape that takes in expansive views of the water and beyond. |
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| The lower level serves as the boat dock, but upstairs is an enclosed room and wraparound deck. |
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The glass railings ensure that views of the blue and green are not compromised.
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| The top-floor space adds some comfort with seats, tables, and a nice big fan. |
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| 4. Modern Houseboat in Vancouver. Heading up to Vancouver, Canada, Coal Harbour is home to a number of Floating Homes. |
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Here we zoom in on the modern-looking one that is two floors with a roof deck above. Each floor features sliding glass doors and more outdoor space for taking advantage of the location.
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| From the top roof deck, the appeal of water living — at least for this smiling guy — are quite clear. See more of this modern houseboat More: 20 Spectacular Beach Houses See hundreds of beach-home photos Browse 250K+ home design photos |
Ideabook updated on Jan. 10, 2012.
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