Want to Live Here: 8 Amazing Waterfront Buildings

Many people dream of a cozy little cabin by the lake. But you can always go further and build the perfect nest right on the water! Just imagine how pleasant it would be to watch sunsets from your own dock or start each new day enjoying a picturesque landscape.

We present eight incredible projects with floating structures that deserve attention. Perhaps one of them is the dream home you've been looking for!

Lake House in the USA

Studio DIAA created an atmospheric lake house for a client in Seattle's Union Lake area. This district is home to many traditional floating structures, and the new project harmoniously fits into its surroundings.

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A one-story house looks modern and has a square shape. The building was erected on a log foundation built in the early 1900s: for cladding, the designers chose natural materials, and the interior is filled with warmth and comfort.

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Amazing Floating Farm, Netherlands

The unique floating farm is a project by Peter and Minke van Wingerden from company Beladon. The architectural studio Goldsmith was responsible for construction: they managed to create a full-scale dairy farm that serves as a home for 32 cows!

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The building was designed with future climate changes in mind: if water levels rise, agricultural land may be flooded. This farm will remain safe – electricity is generated using floating solar panels, and the designers also included a water collection system.

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Chichester, United Kingdom

London-based architectural firm Baca Architects gifted the client a stunning square house located on the water. The timber-built structure blends beautifully into the green surroundings.

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The project was developed in collaboration with the British company Floating Homes. The design resembles that of typical canal boats, scaled up in size. Inside, there is spacious and luxurious space with all necessary amenities.

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Watersluis Velperzand, Netherlands

This house is not as simple as it appears at first glance: one part of the building sits on the water, while another is submerged! The amazing structure was thoughtfully designed by +31 Architects: the building is located on the Amstel River.

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In Amsterdam, floating homes are becoming increasingly popular. They are being built along the banks of urban canals. The structure fully aligns with this trend. On the 'underwater' level, several bedrooms, bathrooms, and a small living room are located. On the second floor, there is a stylish kitchen, living room, and private terrace.

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Veete, Estonia

Veete is a wooden shelter that floats on metal barrels. The compact structure serves as an emergency shelter for visitors to the national park during annual spring floods.

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The project was created by architecture students of the Estonian Academy of Arts in collaboration with the Tallinn architectural firm b210 during a 10-day seminar.

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Reliable House in Canada

Still think that waterfront homes can only be single-story? This minimalist cabin on Lake Huron will dispel any doubts: the wooden two-story hut’s stability is ensured by steel pontoons, and the entire structure can be called not only beautiful but also very well thought out.

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New York-based studio MOS Architects developed the project with attention to local conditions: thus, a bright house was created that can adapt to changes in lake water levels.

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Shoenship, Netherlands

This stylish building is part of a floating village in Amsterdam. The Dutch architectural studio i29 designed an incredible space: the house is impressive both inside and out.

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An unusual village has been developing since 2010: in the future, it may become a model of sustainable architecture. The two-story house includes everything and more – from stylish and thoughtfully designed interiors to panoramic windows offering a breathtaking view of the area.

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Arkup 75, Netherlands

Another innovative project in our selection is a solar-powered yacht villa designed by Dutch architectural studio Waterstudio.NL. Thanks to extendable pilings, the structure can be lifted out of the water: this way, homeowners get an autonomous home.

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The studio’s founder admits that the design was inspired by flamingos standing in water. When the vessel is not moving, it can be secured with an anchor to maintain its stability.

Photo: dezeen.com