Lobster Boast Residence designed by Chadbourne + Doss Architects, is part of a large waterfront property that has been incorporated into a condominium development that includes four detached residences and two houseboats on Portage Bay, Seattle, Washington. Residents share waterfront access, parking, utilities, and a shared vegetable garden. While sharing costs, amenities, and responsibilities; a stronger sense of community is established. The Lobster Boat is a metaphor for a house that is economical, purposeful, and durable. Located on a dense urban shoreline site, this residence strives to celebrate its location while providing privacy to its family.

The home is a remodel built on an existing 24’x28’ floor and basement foundation infrastructure, the constraints of site and footprint result in an efficient vertical house of 2,378 square feet (221 square meters) that reaches the maximum allowable zoning envelope to provide a variety of interior and exterior spaces. Economy is embodied in every aspect of this project including the sharing of site resources; reuse of existing structure and utilities; efficient spatial organization; and the selection of materials and systems based on low monetary, environmental, and life-cycle costs.

Photos: Benjamin Benschneider