Around 71% of the surface of the earth is water. This abundance means it can have a big impact on people and how societies are built. The resource can provide both opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to architecture. Not surprisingly there are a number of incredible buildings around the world that have been built on, beside, or even over water. As one of the most passionate architects London has to offer, we would like to look at some of the unique features of some of these properties.
The Pole House is one of the most photographed homes in Australia because of its unusual design. It is suspended above Fairhaven Beach on a 40 metre pole, providing incredible views of the Bass Strait. The home was originally built in the 70s and became a landmark. Sadly the salt air was deteriorating the wood and roof tiles. In 2009 a five year project to create a new home began. This building is modern and has floor to ceiling windows that provide even better views.

Watershed Lodge in the USA is situated on a former ranch. It is surrounded by ponds fed by Yellowstone River. Creating the home was a challenge because the land is prone to flooding. It was ultimately decided the building would be raised up on a plinth. This allows the water to flow freely underneath and makes the home look like it is floating on a river.

Exbury Egg was a very unique temporary structure that blended art and architecture. It was built from reclaimed cedar wood and floated on an estuary of the River Beaulieu in the New Forest, UK. For a year in 2013/2014 it was an artist’s studio and a way of studying nature. The design was inspired by seabirds and it had the lowest possible environmental impact.

These are just a small number of the noteworthy projects. There are many others worth looking at if you want to appreciate the specifics of the designs and the locations.

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