The Coyle Boat House was a decaying 1950’s structure occupying an enviable spit of land. As it began to crumble its owners sought a new structure that would act as the hub for beach activity and also stand up to vandals and the harsh exposure of the site.

The Boat House’s location within the shoreline prohibited a new structure and limited the renovation to the bounds of the existing volume. These parameters created the opportunity to approach the project with a new perspective. The concrete block was beautifully weathered and a natural extension of the beach environment into which we inserted a new heart, minimizing the impact on the environment.

The heart of the building was designed to insert between east and west flanking concrete block walls and is made from marine grade plywood and salvaged madrone to create a warm contrast to the block. The north and south walls were opened symmetrically to the wetland and canal. Oversized doors open well beyond the building, inverting inside and out to create outdoor rooms to the north and south while opening the inside to the outdoors. In the rafters is a sleeping loft, accessed by an operable ladder that is raised by a pulley to make room for a boat. When unoccupied the weathered palate of the building allows it to sit modestly along the shore, blending into the surroundings.

Uploads

Images: