Custom Dock 3

The clients were ready with their list of wants and needs and enthusiastically conveyed their inspiration for the PERFECT dock for how they planned to live “on the water.” They shared many of their frustrations with not being able to use the dock previously built on the waterfront property for which they built a new home after acquiring the land and a “tear down.” Some were location factors, such as proximity of neighbors two level dock, proximity to wake energy and the flow of foot traffic from dock to deck to boat slips.

Their request included to have 2 full size boat lifts, 2 PWC lifts, convenient access to the water for swimmers out of the way of the boat traffic as well as a sequestered living area. The living area being closer to the shoreline with great views while providing for a great observation upper deck. The requested that architectural features blend with that of their newly built home as well as use of material colors and textures to tie everything together on their lot.

The challenge would be fitting this all in under the total surface area limit of 1,000 mandated by Duke Shoreline Management guidelines. In addition, creating efficient foot traffic to the living areas while also providing ease of access to boats and storage while sequestering the water access area for swimming and lounging to not have these spaces infringe on each other.

What made the design less of a challenge was the wide-open space at the shoreline to design for and then build all these features. In addition, deep water at the location of the pier allowed for a shorter pier, thus allowing more deck surface on other living and functional areas. What also made the design less of a challenge, was the client’s up-front thought and contribution to the design through timely feedback and completion of the pre-design questionnaire. From start to finish with final approved designs, this process took less than a week. Kudos to the wonderful clients for fully engaging and coming prepared!

The result is a top-tiered custom dock, for both features and finishes. This dock should and could be an inspirational dock to those looking to integrate all the functionality and still land on a dock design that is quaint and feels inviting. With two full boat slips and the ability to have guests drive right up and moor at two separate mooring locations, as well as storage for supplies in the conveniently located closet, the removable overwater hammock, and a flip up ladder for those that do not like stepping on the lakebed, this dock has it all! If this dock did not already scream, “want to get away”, there is the real getaway on the upper deck, complete with a roof line that allows for privacy, but great vistas.