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September 16.2025
3 Minutes Read

Discover Pura Vida: A Modern Floating Home for Inspired Living

Modern floating home in Seattle with minimalistic design.

Pura Vida: A Floating Home That Redefines Waterfront Living

Seattle's Portage Bay now boasts an architecturally striking landmark – the Pura Vida Floating Home. Designed by Dyna Builders in partnership with Hoshide Wanzer Architects, this innovative residence embodies the essence of pura vida—a Costa Rican philosophy celebrating simplicity, balance, and connection to nature. Built with care and practicality, Pura Vida offers both a breathtaking aesthetic and a deep respect for its aquatic environment.

A Solid Foundation for a Modern Living Space

The new home replaces a decades-old houseboat that previously occupied its slip. The project commenced with a robust reinforced concrete float, creating a solid foundation equipped for modern plumbing and electrical systems. This foundation not only ensures durability but also facilitates the unique needs inherent to life on the water, displaying a seamless blend of functionality and elegance.

Architectural Features That Embrace Nature

Spanning 1,780 square feet of interior space and an additional 820-square-foot rooftop deck, the Pura Vida home is designed with adaptability in mind. The building’s clean rectangular shapes optimize space while providing panoramic views thanks to extensive glass walls on three sides. These expansive windows not only invite natural light but also dissolve the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, offering residents a front-row seat to the dynamic beauty of Portage Bay.

Adaptive Living with Flexible Design Elements

To accommodate various occasions, Pura Vida incorporates flexible shading systems, operable screens, and sliding glass doors. These features allow residents to adjust their living space according to their needs, whether it's an intimate family gathering or a festive waterfront social event. The ability to toggle between privacy and openness enhances the home’s functionality, embodying the spirit of a vibrant lake life.

Materials That Echo the Maritime Environment

The interiors of Pura Vida speak to its maritime context through thoughtful design choices. Teak cabinetry, white oak flooring, and artistically integrated cabinetry forge a connection to the boating culture of Seattle. Each material is selected not merely for its aesthetic appeal but also for its durability and warmth, cultivating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance.

Rooftop Deck: An Outdoor Oasis

The crowning feature of Pura Vida is its expansive rooftop deck, designed for relaxation and recreation. This versatile space serves as an ideal observational point for sunsets, water activities, and the surrounding neighborhood. Equipped with sustainable elements and landscaping, it encourages outdoor living while nurturing a symbiotic relationship with the environment.

Lessons in Sustainable Design

Pura Vida's design and construction offer valuable lessons for those interested in waterfront living or sustainable architectural practices. Its emphasis on environmentally sound design methods serves as a model for future projects, highlighting the increasing importance of melding practicality with eco-friendliness.

Market Trends in Floating Architecture

The rising popularity of floating homes marks a shift in modern architecture, particularly in waterfront communities. Pura Vida stands at the forefront of this trend, reflecting contemporary needs for mobility, flexibility, and environmental consciousness. As urban areas face space constraints, floating homes like Pura Vida may provide new solutions and opportunities for residential design.

Conclusion: Elevating Outdoor Living

Pura Vida represents more than just a modern abode; it encapsulates a lifestyle ethos that prioritizes the balance between human life and nature. As active participation in our living environments becomes increasingly important, exploring such dwellings can inspire homeowners and aspirational buyers alike. Explore innovative designs in floating architecture that enhance outdoor living and promote sustainability.

For contractors and home service providers, leveraging insights from homes like Pura Vida can illustrate skill and experience in sustainable practices, positioning them advantageously in a market that values environmentally responsible design.

Home Design & Inspiration

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