Vandeventer + Carlander Architects

Lake Union Floating Home

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider

LAKE UNION FLOATING HOME

Vandeventer + Carlander Architects

AREA
2824.0 m2

PROJECT YEAR
2008

LOCATION
Seattle, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

Continuing a long and distinguished history of floating homes in Seattle, this new floating home is located on Lake Union, in the heart of the city. Offering panoramic views south of downtown Seattle, Queen Anne Hill to the west, and Gas Works Park northward, this home takes full advantage of its location.

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider
Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider

The clients requested a contemporary home which would provide the spaces required for comfortable living and gracious entertaining. The final design strives to meet these performance needs in a house that transforms what could be a banal "box" into one with architectural integrity.

Given a limited allowable footprint and the desire of the owner to maximize both interior living and outdoor entertaining spaces, the plan flips the typical residential model by locating public spaces on the upper level and private spaces on the entry level.

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider
Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider

This strategy allows for the consolidation of entertaining spaces in one large space on the upper level with direct access by circular stair to a rooftop deck. The design promotes flexibility of use and affords maximum exposure to views and light for the living areas.

The massing of the house is an exercise in carving; the challenge was to meet the clients' needs for space yet develop an envelope that is visually interesting and coherent. Various decks are recessed into the volume and changes in materials and surfaces provide accents that speak to differentiated interior uses.

A translucent stair tower "knits" the two floors together and becomes a central visual element. Large sliding doors on the upper level open the interior to the exterior thereby enhancing the connection of living spaces to the surrounding lake.

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider
Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider

In bedrooms, the placement of glazed doors and windows was carefully considered to maximize views, to accentuate visual connections to the neighboring floating home community, and to provide natural light.

Exterior materials were chosen for their aesthetic qualities and low maintenance. Aluminum panels cladding the entry level bathrooms complement the storefront windows on that floor.

The upper level features rain screen cladding with fiber cement panels. These integrally colored panels complement the lighter toned Alaskan yellow cedar framed windows. The exterior composition is a direct reflection of internal uses.

Interior materials were carefully chosen to complement the owners' furnishings and color palate. The selection of woods such as mahogany for entry level casework and zebrawood on upper level cabinets build on the clientsí rich and eclectic furniture collection.

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider
Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider

Light hued bamboo flooring and Alaskan yellow panels at walls and ceilings recede into the background allowing the stronger furnishing elements to come forward.

In response to environmental concerns, the location and treatment of glazing promote passive heating and cooling while providing abundant natural light.

Sun screens and overhangs provide effective summer shading. Efficient hydronic in-floor heating utilizes an energy efficient heat pump system and the fresh air ventilation system utilizes an energy saving heat exchanger.

Lake Union Floating Home
© Ben Benschneider


Lake Union Floating Home
basement floor plan
Lake Union Floating Home
first floor plan
Lake Union Floating Home
second floor plan
Lake Union Floating Home
roof plan


Lake Union Floating Home
south elevation
Lake Union Floating Home
east elevation
Lake Union Floating Home
north elevation
Lake Union Floating Home
west elevation


Lake Union Floating Home
site plan
Lake Union Floating Home
exploded axo

Vandeventer + Carlander Architects
T +1 206 3238770
Vandeventer + Carlander Architects
2956 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, United States