Before arriving at its permanent home in Seattle’s Eastlake floating-home community, this two-story residence took a journey of its own. Built entirely on a concrete float at Dyna Builders‘ Ballard docks, the house was towed across the lake and installed in its Eastlake slip. Now, with expansive glass walls opening directly onto the water, Modern Beach House feels firmly connected to its surroundings, even as it floats above them.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
Designed by Hoshide Wanzer Architects + Interiors and constructed by Dyna Builders, the 2,123-square-foot residence combines the relaxed character of a Nantucket beach house with the clean lines and material richness of Pacific Northwest architecture. Its three bedrooms and open living spaces accommodate an active family whose daily routines revolve around swimming, boating, and entertaining.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
“The homeowners were drawn to the relaxed, coastal aesthetic of Nantucket, and that influence really helped shape the character of the home,” says Ren Chandler, president and founder of Dyna Builders. Rather than relying on overt nautical motifs, the design incorporates weathered wood, tactile finishes, and a palette of blues, greens, and warm neutrals.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
Constructing a house on water requires a different approach from building on solid ground. The new concrete float provides a stable foundation for the home while accommodating utilities and simplifying long-term maintenance. Building at Dyna’s Ballard docks gave the team easier access to trades and equipment while minimizing disruption to neighboring floating homes.
“Weight, balance, and structural integrity are all critical considerations, and everything needs to be carefully coordinated from the beginning,” Chandler explains. Unlike a conventional foundation, the floating structure requires precise weight distribution, influencing decisions about everything from the structural system to interior finishes.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
On the main level, the kitchen, dining area, and living room share an open plan oriented toward Lake Union. Large Fleetwood glass doors slide into pockets within the fireplace massing, allowing the living spaces to extend seamlessly onto the waterfront deck. The chimney continues through both floors, functioning as an architectural spine that organizes the interior.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
A deep blue sectional anchors the living room, complemented by sculptural lounge chairs and a softly textured fireplace surround. Nearby, a built-in dining banquette wrapped in patterned upholstery offers generous seating beneath a chandelier of colorful glass globes. The kitchen pairs warm wood cabinetry with white upper cabinets and dramatically veined countertops.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
Durability is central to the design. Weathered yakisugi siding extends from the exterior into the stairwell, while cork-rubber flooring, stain-resistant cabinetry fronts, and resilient tile accommodate wet gear, pets, and frequent gatherings. A dedicated mudroom with interior and exterior showers provides a practical transition between the lake and the living spaces.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
“Living directly on the water introduces some unique considerations, particularly when it comes to moisture, durability, and long-term maintenance,” Chandler notes. Careful detailing around exterior openings, decks, and exposed surfaces helps the home withstand the Pacific Northwest’s damp climate.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
Upstairs, the primary suite opens directly onto a private deck overlooking Lake Union. Glass railings preserve the view, while a corner fireplace, upholstered headboard, and warm wood millwork create a more intimate atmosphere.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
An adjacent dressing area features a particularly striking detail: a sculptural wood partition composed of vertically arranged slats with carved, undulating profiles. Integrated storage turns the partition into both a functional element and a tactile architectural feature.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
The two additional bedrooms maximize their compact footprints with custom built-in bunks featuring internal steel framing fabricated in Dyna’s metal shop. One features illustrated maritime imagery, while the other incorporates botanical motifs.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
The stairwell offers another example of the project’s custom craftsmanship. Illuminated resin panels form a translucent screen alongside the steel-and-wood stairs, offering a subtle nautical reference while casting a soft glow across the circulation space. Carefully positioned ribbon windows and layered window treatments address privacy within the closely spaced floating-home community without sacrificing natural light.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
For Chandler, the most successful aspects of the project are not necessarily the most visible. “There’s a tremendous amount of engineering and coordination that goes into a project like this, but ideally, none of that is particularly apparent when you’re walking through the house,” he says.
Photography by Andrew Giammarco
That balance between technical precision and everyday comfort defines Modern Beach House. With its adaptable interiors, expressive materials, and close relationship to the lake, the residence makes an unconventional way of living feel entirely natural.
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