10 "See Worthy" Boathouses Around the World

Boathouses exist to keep pleasure craft safely out of the elements, but they also can also be beautiful, architecturally arresting structures, havens for boats and people alike. We've rounded up 10 of the finest.

By Sara Carpenter | Updated Aug 18, 2015 01:15 PM

Whimsy in the Woods

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Lattice Boathouse

Tucked away in a tree-covered corner on a lake in Victoria, Australia, this boathouse’s latticework exterior adds mystery to an already picturesque spot. The shadows of the lattice play on the water, intensifying the boathouse's romantic appeal.

wikimedia.org

Intelligence Design

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Modern Boathouse

Inspired by James Bond films, the boathouse portion of this home is intended to mimic a cave. This element alone is reminiscent of 007but the electric winch that hoists the speedboat up toward the ceiling really clinches the connection.

digsdigs.com

Breezy Retreat

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Boathouse Plan

For the water lover who just can’t get enough, a boathouse equipped with a room up top lets you stay on the water even after your boat has been docked. Screened panels on three sides capture cooling breezes. If that's not good enough, the panels open out like wings so you can go jump in the lake!


Related:  Know Your Window Styles—10 Popular Designs

remodelista.com

A Material Change

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Copper Boathouse

The copper panels and lumber planks of this boathouse by MHM Architects blend seamlessly now, but as they age, the materials will take on different patinas. The building will visually evolve over time as the wood weathers to gray and the copper oxidizes to turquoise.

designboom.com

Lakeside Sustainability

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Solar Boathouse

Solar heat input and exchange of the site’s lake water contribute to this futuristic boathouse’s sustainable design. In warmer months, the black granite mass conceals the owner’s boat within, all while soaking up ample summer sun.


Related:  Solar Power Systems 101

zeospot.com

Glassed-In Garage

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Boathouse Door

Garage doors aren’t just for concealing cars. These operational glass doors let you keep your eyes on the action while you're taking a break indoors, and they ensure that no one parks in your waterway.


Related:  Product Showcase—Garage Doors

realestate.msn.com

Modern Reflections

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Modern Boathouse

This hard-angled, crisp-lined boathouse employs reflective materials to encourage interaction between the structure, water, and light. Hinged joints in the boardwalk and base accommodate the water’s movement.


Related:  10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage

minimalisti.com

Contemporary Cottage

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Boathouse Design

This two-story boathouse by Altius Architecture contains everything one could need for island living. Docks and two boat slips form the lower level, while the second is filled by bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living area—and a generous sundeck, of course.


Related:  How to Build a Deck

http://ideasgn.com/

Hanging Out With the Boats

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Three-Boat Garage

For a true boat enthusiast, the height of luxury is a three-boat garage merged with a living area. Warning: Extensive waterproofing required.

bornonatu3sday.tumblr.com

Green Haven

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Green Boathouse

For this boathouse's cladding and decking, LSI Architects used Accoya wood, a technologically modified, highly durable wood product, as a defense against the location’s high potential for flooding. Other elements amping up the structure's sustainability? Photovoltaic panels and a ground-source heat pump.

architizer.com

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