Modern Beach House began its journey at Dyna Builders’ Ballard docks, where the two-story residence was built on a concrete float. It was then towed across Lake Union to its permanent slip in Seattle’s Eastlake floating-home community. Designed by Hoshide Wanzer Architects + Interiors and constructed by Dyna Builders, the 2,123-square-foot home has three bedrooms and expansive glass walls facing the water.
The design draws on the relaxed character of Nantucket beach houses while using the clean lines and material palette associated with Pacific Northwest architecture. Rather than relying on nautical decorations, it uses weathered wood, tactile surfaces, and shades of blue, green, and warm neutrals. The home is designed for a family whose routines include swimming, boating, and entertaining.
Building on water shaped both the structure and the interior choices. The concrete float provides the foundation while accommodating utilities, and the home’s weight and balance had to be carefully managed. Constructing the house at the Ballard docks also gave the team access to trades and equipment while limiting disruption to nearby floating homes.
On the main floor, the kitchen, dining area, and living room form an open space oriented toward Lake Union. Large Fleetwood glass doors slide into pockets in the fireplace massing, opening the living areas onto a waterfront deck. The chimney runs through both floors, serving as a central feature that organizes the interior.
The living room’s deep blue sectional is paired with sculptural lounge chairs and a textured fireplace surround. A built-in dining banquette sits beneath a chandelier made of colorful glass globes, while the kitchen combines warm wood cabinetry, white upper cabinets, and veined countertops.
Durable finishes address the demands of frequent exposure to water and everyday use. Weathered yakisugi siding continues from the exterior into the stairwell, while cork-rubber flooring, stain-resistant cabinet fronts, and resilient tile are used in the interiors. A mudroom with indoor and outdoor showers provides a transition between the lake and the home.
Upstairs, the primary suite opens onto a private deck overlooking the lake. Glass railings preserve the view, while a corner fireplace, upholstered headboard, and warm wood millwork give the room a more intimate feel. In the adjoining dressing area, a sculptural partition of carved vertical wood slats incorporates storage.
The two additional bedrooms make use of custom built-in bunk beds with internal steel framing fabricated in Dyna’s metal shop. One room features illustrated maritime imagery and the other botanical motifs. Elsewhere, translucent illuminated resin panels line the stairwell beside the steel-and-wood stairs, while ribbon windows and layered window treatments help balance natural light with privacy in the closely spaced community.
Careful detailing around openings, decks, and exposed surfaces is intended to address moisture and long-term maintenance in the Pacific Northwest’s damp climate. The result combines the engineering required for a floating home with interiors designed for everyday family life on Lake Union.
Sources: Design Milk.