Seattle floating home on Portage Bay, Northwest house, Dyna Builders Washington property, USA architecture

Seattle floating home on Portage Bay

September 10, 2025

Architecture and Interiors: Paul Wanzer of Hoshide Wanzer Architects

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States of America

Photos by Andrew Giammarco

Seattle floating home on Portage Bay, Washington, USA

The project began with replacing an aging floating home that had occupied the slip for decades on an old-growth log float, likely from 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.

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. 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, white oak floors and teak casework lend warmth and nautical character, with cabinetry guiding movement through the home. The primary suite and lower-level library offer quiet, enclosed retreats.

A rooftop deck with a vegetated sedum roof and movable furnishings creates a flexible, elevated gathering space.

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.