This transformation delivers luxury living right on the water
Afloat on Seattle’s Portage Bay, this floating home by Dyna Builders and Hoshide Wanzer Architects embodies the Costa Rican philosophy of pura vida – a commitment to simple pleasures, a connection to nature, and an ease of living. Located on a busy ship canal between Lake Union and Lake Washington, the home needed to balance transparency and privacy, adapting to both the vibrant lakefront activity and the need for a secluded retreat.
The project began with the replacement of an aging floating home that had occupied the slip for decades. The existing structure sat on an old-growth log float, likely dating back to the early 20th century. Choosing to build on a new concrete float constructed by Dyna provided improved stability and easier access to essential systems such as plumbing and electrical, ensuring long-term resilience. The new home was constructed in Dyna’s Ballard shipyard and towed into place, a process that required precision and careful planning.
At its core, the home is designed for easy, unfussy living. A simple, rectangular volume maximizes the footprint while maintaining an efficient layout. Expanses of glass open the downstairs living areas to the water, offering uninterrupted views of passing boats and seasonal wildlife. These glass walls are layered with operable elements – blinds, shutters, and screens – that allow for shifts between transparency and enclosure, providing both engagement with the surroundings and moments of retreat.
Inside, a restrained material palette emphasizes warmth with nautical references. White oak floors extend throughout the home, while teak casework, referencing the boating community, serves as a transitional element between public and private zones. The cabinetry itself becomes an architectural feature, creating a sense of passage through the home. Located upstairs, the primary suite offers a quieter, more enclosed space with a window seat overlooking a green roof. The lower-level library, another intimate retreat, can be fully enclosed, reinforcing the home’s theme of adaptable living.
A rooftop deck extends the living space upward, offering a secondary gathering area that feels both expansive and discreet. Set back from the float’s edge, the deck integrates a vegetated sedum roof, softening the home’s profile while contributing to stormwater retention. Movable furniture, including small modular tables and a rolling fireplace, allows for flexible configurations, whether for a casual evening or a larger social gathering.
In floating home design, every square inch is considered. The project’s rigor is evident not only in its efficient use of space but also in its seamless integration of architecture, landscape, and lifestyle. By holding to a clear conceptual direction, the home remains true to its pura vida intent – a place that fosters connection, embraces nature, and supports a life well-lived on the water.
Dyna Builders is a Seattle-based custom builder of high-quality, distinctive homes. Our projects traverse aesthetic boundaries and are not limited to a particular style; instead, we respect a home’s character and strive to make it the best it can be. Every project is unique, which is why we assemble the best team for each build and collaborate with some of the most notable architects and designers in the Pacific Northwest.