Architect Visit: Celebrating Downtime with Andersson-Wise by Lake Austin

In our busy harried lives, “downtime” is a cause to celebrate; exactly what this boathouse on the steeply sloped banks of Lake Austin does.

Approached by a narrow footbridge over a deep ravine and most elegant in its simplicity, Texan firm Andersson-Wise’s boathouse appears to hover over the water in respite from the heat and concerns of life inland.

Photographs by Paul Bardagjy courtesy of Andersson-Wise.

Above: The boathouse floats above stilts and is clad in screened panels, which open out from the top like wings.

Above Left: The boat is stored underneath between the stilts. Above Right: The walkway on the side of the boathouse, which leads to the entry.

Above: The all-wood interior creates a dark and cool space for the humid summer heat while the screened panels keep the mosquitos away.

Above Left: A wood siding extends to become a shelf for the lantern in the window. Above Right: When open, the screened panels are held in place by wooden rods; easy to use as well as to maintain.

Above: The joys of summer!

Above: The plan of the simple temple to “downtime.”

Above: A section through the ravine, illustrating the narrow footbridge in the approach to the boathouse.

Above: A view down the narrow footbridge.

Andersson-Wise’s design is a cross between a boathouse and a screened porch.  See 5 Favorites: Summer Boathouse Roundup or 5 Favorites: Screened Sleeping Porches to see which you prefer.