By The HIP Boathouse, designed by Abbott Brown Architects, is nestled on Herman’s Island, along the remote South Shore of Nova Scotia. Situated on a forested beachfront, the owners sought to blend functionality with tranquility, creating a space for boat storage and leisurely waterfront connection. Given planning restrictions permitting only boathouse development along the ocean-side, the design embraced this mandate to reinforce the structure’s elemental maritime essence.
Contextual Considerations
Accessed via a private drive leading from the island’s settled south coastline to its wild, forested north, the boathouse defies traditional Nova Scotian architectural norms. This departure from convention allowed for creative reinterpretation, bridging Lunenburg County’s architectural heritage with a more primal, untamed environment.
Expressive Design Elements
The design journey was marked by expressive reinterpretation and experimentation. Varied roof pitches, with a pronounced westward lean towards the sea, and an inverted ramp orientation challenged typical conventions. Interior finishes and functionalities were whimsically reinterpreted to enhance the sense of exploration and discovery.
Responsive Architecture
Elevations respond dynamically to site conditions, with minimal openings on the north side and expansive ones on the south to harness sunlight. A deep cut in the south elevation accentuates the building’s mass while concealing a central stairwell. Elevated on stilts above the high-water line, the structure features a cantilevered front porch offering panoramic water views.
Structural Strategies
Two distinct functions – boat storage and porch area – dictated diverse design and structural approaches. The porch area, exposed to weather and ocean storms, necessitated rot-resistant hemlock timber and steel bracing. Conversely, the interior storage space employed traditional wood stud construction with plywood veneer cladding.
Material Palette
Exterior materials pay homage to the wooded surroundings, featuring untreated cedar shingles, spruce framing, and local hemlock. This contextual integration, coupled with innovative design solutions, earned the project the prestigious Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Excellence in 2022.
Through thoughtful reinterpretation of maritime tradition and a harmonious blend of form and function, the HIP Boathouse stands as a testament to architectural innovation in a remote coastal setting.
