A striking new floating home named Pura Vida has made its debut on Seattle's Portage Bay, representing a collaboration between Dyna Builders and Hoshide Wanzer Architects. Drawing inspiration from the Costa Rican philosophy of "pura vida," which emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony with nature, this innovative residence demonstrates how modern architecture can successfully adapt to the unique challenges of waterfront living while maintaining a deep connection to its aquatic environment.

The project began with the replacement of a decades-old houseboat that previously occupied the canal slip, requiring the installation of a new reinforced concrete float foundation. This robust foundation system provides essential long-term stability while accommodating modern utility infrastructure for plumbing and electrical systems. The construction process itself showcased the precision required for floating architecture, as the entire home was built at Dyna's Ballard shipyard before being carefully transported and towed into its permanent position on Seattle's waterways.

Spanning 1,780 square feet of interior living space, the residence is complemented by an expansive 820-square-foot rooftop deck that serves as an outdoor extension of the home. The architects prioritized efficiency and adaptability throughout the design, creating a clean rectangular form that maximizes the available footprint. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls on three sides of the main level effectively dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an immersive experience that connects residents with the dynamic waterfront environment.

The home's strategic positioning and extensive glazing provide residents with ever-changing views that capture the full spectrum of Portage Bay's daily rhythms. From spectacular sunrises over Lake Washington to the constant flow of boat traffic along Lake Union, every room is carefully oriented to engage with the surrounding scenery. The design incorporates flexible shading systems, operable screens, and expansive sliding glass doors that allow residents to seamlessly transition between privacy and openness, whether they're enjoying intimate family moments or embracing the vibrant atmosphere of Seattle's boating community.

Inside, the interior design reflects the maritime setting through carefully selected materials that honor the home's connection to the water. Rich teak cabinetry provides warmth and nautical authenticity, while white oak floors throughout the space create a sense of continuity and sophistication. The custom millwork serves a dual purpose, functioning both as beautiful craftsmanship and as architectural elements that create smooth transitions between different living areas, enhancing the flow and functionality of the compact space.

The upper level houses the primary suite, designed as a private retreat accessed via an impressive double-height staircase that is illuminated from above by strategically placed skylights. This bedroom sanctuary features a cozy window seat that overlooks a green roof, providing residents with a peaceful vantage point to observe the changing seasons and waterfront activity. The thoughtful design extends to a lower-level library, which offers another private sanctuary that can be enclosed when needed, creating a quiet escape from the home's open living areas.

Throughout the residence, the material palette showcases a curated blend of natural elements including various woods, stones, glass, and resin finishes. This diverse selection was specifically chosen to reflect the full spectrum of nature visible from Pura Vida's waterfront location, creating interior spaces that feel authentically connected to the surrounding environment while maintaining a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic.

The rooftop deck represents a significant achievement in outdoor living design, functioning as a true second living space that expertly balances comfort with privacy. The deck features movable furnishings and modular tables that can be reconfigured for various occasions, from quiet evening relaxation to larger social gatherings. A unique rolling fireplace adds both warmth and flexibility, allowing residents to create cozy gathering spots anywhere on the expansive deck.

Environmental sustainability plays a crucial role in the home's design philosophy, most notably through the integration of a sedum roof system. This living roof not only softens the structure's visual impact on the waterfront but also provides practical benefits for stormwater management. The green roof represents an eco-conscious approach to sustainable floating home design, demonstrating how residential architecture can contribute positively to urban water management systems while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

The Pura Vida Floating Home stands as a testament to innovative residential design that successfully addresses the unique challenges of waterfront living while creating a sophisticated, comfortable living environment. The collaboration between Dyna Builders and Hoshide Wanzer Architects has resulted in a residence that embodies the Costa Rican pura vida philosophy through its emphasis on simplicity, natural materials, and seamless integration with the water environment, setting a new standard for floating home design in Seattle's vibrant maritime community.