![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Exterior Photography, Waterfront](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/37ed/284d/d1ce/f000/02bf/newsletter/FEATURE-_1707-006.jpg?1551841243)
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Architects: Akb Architects
- Area: 2300 ft²
- Year: 2017
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Photographs:Shai Gil
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Manufacturers: Hajom, Kindl, Krone, Shou Shugi Ban, Torp Windows
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Waterfront](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/364a/284d/d1b0/4f00/01bb/newsletter/1707-030.jpg?1551840822)
Text description provided by the architects. Inspired by the simple and prevalent image of wood docks found along the edges of the Muskoka lakes, the boathouse was conceived as a series of planar elements that slide past one another. The slippage of planes echoing the movement of water as it shifts course.
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/3474/284d/d1ce/f000/02b3/newsletter/1707-018.jpg?1551840353)
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Image 27 of 27](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/3314/284d/d1ce/f000/02ae/newsletter/Muskoka_Elev1.jpg?1551840013)
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Image 4 of 27](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/350f/284d/d1b0/4f00/01b9/newsletter/1707-024.jpg?1551840509)
Comprised of 2 bedrooms, a shared bathroom and lounge area with kitchenette on the upper level, the lower level provides functional storage space including three boat slips, and custom cabinetry for recreational equipment with an expansive dock. This 2,300 square foot lakefront structure serves as a guest suite beside an adjacent cottage, with panoramic views of the open water, islands and distant shoreline beyond.
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Image 20 of 27](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/35a8/284d/d1ce/f000/02b5/newsletter/1707-026.jpg?1551840660)
An elongated cantilevered trellis supported by a permeable wood screen provides an area of reprieve from the expansive, south-western exposure on the dock. Locally supplied cedar wood siding was charred in a Japanese process known as Shou Sugi Ban to preserve the wood from natural weathering, providing a low maintenance exterior finish.
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Image 17 of 27](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/358e/284d/d1ce/f000/02b4/newsletter/1707-025.jpg?1551840636)
A sequence of horizontal and vertical boards differentiates each planar element while a combination of Baltic Birch and Douglas Fir plywood wrap the interior walls and ceiling.
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Interior Photography, Sofa, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/3712/284d/d1ce/f000/02b9/newsletter/1707-038.jpg?1551841024)
A concrete floor on the upper level defines the interior living space in contrast to the cedar wood decking that presents an otherwise continuous field throughout.
![Muskoka Boathouse / Akb Architects - Image 22 of 27](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5c7f/35d1/284d/d1b0/4f00/01ba/newsletter/1707-028.jpg?1551840703)