Mallard Cove Modern
Situated on Seattle's Lake Union, this floating home combines precision engineering and thoughtful design for a home that takes every advantage of living on the water. Having originally purchased and lived in a smaller floating home also on Lake Union, the clients were interested in moving to a larger floating home with more open access to the water and the views, so they set their sights on this property with its end-slip position in Mallard Cove.
Constructed atop a new concrete float, this 2,892-square-foot residence replaces an aging houseboat with a robust structure optimized for both stability and environmental resilience. The concrete float, constructed by Dyna at their nearby waterfront facility in Ballard, ensures buoyancy and durability, capable of supporting the home’s 150,000-pound weight and the demands of lakeside living.
Designed by Ecco Architecture and Design, the home maximizes natural light and waterfront views, taking full advantage of the home’s position in the cove. Floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood sliding doors on the water-facing side allow for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, a key consideration for the family who wanted their home to feel as open and integrated with the water as possible. Inside, the entryway staircase makes a striking visual statement. The white, powder-coated steel structure was crafted in-house by the Dyna Metal Shop and was craned into place during construction, bringing both an elegant aesthetic and long-term functionality to the home. At the top of the stairs, an automated glass roof hatch enhances light and ventilation, creating an open transition to the full rooftop deck.
The interior design, by NB Design Group, draws inspiration from Scandinavian aesthetics. Natural, clear stained oak was selected for both flooring and cabinetry, creating an organic flow throughout the home that emphasizes simplicity and warmth. Light faux-concrete quartz countertops and backsplashes provide a neutral base, while polypropylene dining chairs and a sofa upholstered with indoor/outdoor fabric ensure durability without compromising style. The family-friendly materials are balanced with sophisticated touches, including a vintage Halabala lounge chair and a corner fireplace clad in large-format porcelain tile that lends the living area an understated elegance.
Beyond aesthetics, the home’s structure was planned meticulously to incorporate built-in shade pockets, ensuring privacy and comfort. Height restrictions required innovative solutions, such as slim floor-to-ceiling spans and carefully integrated steel framing, allowing for maximum ceiling height and open sightlines without sacrificing structural integrity. This attention to detail, from the hidden utility vents to the alignment of door headers, reflects Dyna’s commitment to seamless integration and modern precision.
Constructed atop a new concrete float, this 2,892-square-foot residence replaces an aging houseboat with a robust structure optimized for both stability and environmental resilience. The concrete float, constructed by Dyna at their nearby waterfront facility in Ballard, ensures buoyancy and durability, capable of supporting the home’s 150,000-pound weight and the demands of lakeside living.
Designed by Ecco Architecture and Design, the home maximizes natural light and waterfront views, taking full advantage of the home’s position in the cove. Floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood sliding doors on the water-facing side allow for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, a key consideration for the family who wanted their home to feel as open and integrated with the water as possible. Inside, the entryway staircase makes a striking visual statement. The white, powder-coated steel structure was crafted in-house by the Dyna Metal Shop and was craned into place during construction, bringing both an elegant aesthetic and long-term functionality to the home. At the top of the stairs, an automated glass roof hatch enhances light and ventilation, creating an open transition to the full rooftop deck.
The interior design, by NB Design Group, draws inspiration from Scandinavian aesthetics. Natural, clear stained oak was selected for both flooring and cabinetry, creating an organic flow throughout the home that emphasizes simplicity and warmth. Light faux-concrete quartz countertops and backsplashes provide a neutral base, while polypropylene dining chairs and a sofa upholstered with indoor/outdoor fabric ensure durability without compromising style. The family-friendly materials are balanced with sophisticated touches, including a vintage Halabala lounge chair and a corner fireplace clad in large-format porcelain tile that lends the living area an understated elegance.
Beyond aesthetics, the home’s structure was planned meticulously to incorporate built-in shade pockets, ensuring privacy and comfort. Height restrictions required innovative solutions, such as slim floor-to-ceiling spans and carefully integrated steel framing, allowing for maximum ceiling height and open sightlines without sacrificing structural integrity. This attention to detail, from the hidden utility vents to the alignment of door headers, reflects Dyna’s commitment to seamless integration and modern precision.
Project Year: 2025
