Hood Canal, Washington

The waters near this re-designed boathouse stay chilly even at the height of mid-summer, making it a haven for oystering. It’s this temperature that keeps the waters clear, but the cold also makes winter storage space important. Near the water on the shores of the Hood Canal, Seattle-based architects Bosworth Hoedemaker have transformed 1950′s boat storage into a marine retreat, without losing the original function — in this cabin, you can get cozy and winter over your boat.

Hood Canal, Washington.

On the ground level, sliding double doors open up the entire first floor, in addition to providing a wind break. Originally a simple concrete square, the architects managed to re-work the entire building without changing the height or total footprint. Salvaged details, like the marine plywood, keep the atmosphere authentic. Best yet, they managed to keep form from replacing function: A polished madrone staircase, for example, adds elegance, but still lifts with a block and tackle to clear room for boats in dry dock.

Hood Canal, Washington.

Hood Canal, Washington.