Custom Dock 2

The client had an existing lakefront home on Lake Norman, NC for which they had inherited and were planning at some point to either do a remodel of the home or start over and build their dream home on the site.  The property had an existing dock structure which was repaired to bring it to a usable state, but the flow and functionality did not fit on how they planned to use the waterfront in the future. Another variable was that they had a sibling that owned a property adjacent, but not on the water. This made it possible for them to share the use of the dock to the capacity allowed on Lake Norman, by having a location for two moored boats. Another twist was that the client was not sure on the timing of having to provide for these two moored boats due to the timing of a new home build or other, so they wanted a design that they may be able to add the additional boat mooring to and be in compliance with Duke Shoreline Management guidelines.

What is unique about this project is that there was not already an established architectural style preference, and it was not determined what the architectural style of the remodel or new home would be.  With the inherited home not influencing the choice of the dock architecture style, the first task after selecting where the dock would be located on the property, was to determine the preferred architectural style. The client brought some ideas on the style, but they more brought the flow and functionality they were looking for. Need weighed more than want and from answering questions on the pre-design questionnaire, the components started to fall into place.

The did include the ability to add flow to another boat mooring if not another full-size boat lift (10K lbs) and these are shown in the renderings. The location had adequate water depth so it was requested to minimize the pier length and maximize the livable and boat access spaces. A second level was requested if feasible, but one of the boat moorings absolutely needed to capacitate under roof a 26’ speed boat.

The end design is a melding of all these components with a modern low-profile architecture to not come up into the lake views from the elevated future build site. It integrates a large lower living area with unobstructed views and even larger upper living area. It was all designed to also provide cover for the 28’ boat slip partially under upper deck with the remaining covered by roof. The stairs approaching the upper level are shoreside loaded to not obstruct views on the lower level and increased capacity beams supporting the upper deck allow for no post obstructions in the living area. The 48” wide pier and step-down boat load area provide for ease of access and maneuverability to and from the boats and main dock.  Although the additional boat lift will be added later, installing it off to the side location will be cost effective and create a wonderful second angle of view while sitting in the hoisted boat. The designed dock also provides for a guest mooring on the water side of the step-down boat load providing for easy entertaining. The positioning of the dock to the shoreline and directionally facing north provides for maximum shade on the main level and maximum views and sunshine on the upper deck.