Shore Vista Boat Dock By Bercy Chen Studio

Shore Vista project by Bercy Chen Studio is a two-story boat dock located on a bend in Lake Austin, Texas, USA, across from Canyonland Nature Preserve.

The architects describe their structure: “The site suggests the elliptical form that maximizes the beautiful views of the undulating hills beyond. The dock’s rounded edges peel away, capturing more of the landscape in the visual frame.”

Shore Vista Boat Dock Bercy Chen Studio:

Stepping stones and a sweeping, curved stair provide access to the lake level. The elliptical entry staircase has a gentle rise, allowing wheelchair accessibility for visitors. One inspiration for the project was the Niteroi Museum in Rio by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The designers meticulously laid out the entry sequence of the curvilinear concrete ramp to slowly reveal. This highlights the natural beauty of Sugarloaf Mountain, Niteroi Beach, and the bay below.

In some ways, this boat dock is a humble homage to the Brazilian legend’s effort to harmonize with the environment. A lowered beach area, allowing one to ease effortlessly into the water, is strategically located at the waterfall basin, providing endless enjoyment for the owners’ young children.

The waterfall serves several purposes. Acoustically, it creates white noise to cancel out the sometimes-busy boat traffic on the lake. In the hot Texas summer, a misty breeze by the beach area on the first floor creates a physiological sense of coolness.

This project is one of the first curvilinear boat docks around central Texas lakes, deviating from the typical orthogonal form. The developer began with six structural columns built as the framework of a standard-size boat dock. Steel I-beams support the roof structure, positioning them above the thin steel plate. The I-beams taper toward the center to disappear from view, creating the illusion of the thin steel roof floating above the water.

The owner’s original program extensively used the boat dock to entertain family, friends, and business associates. The upstairs dining area accommodates up to 16 guests. The built-in seating along the elliptical half-copper wall with cushions becomes bunk beds for overnight accommodation.

The owners and their families use the boat dock for entertaining large parties and as a quiet retreat to escape their intense, busy city lives. They have been instrumental in the creative process, responding to the more adventurous design direction.

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our top stories.