Located within Zuanich Point Park, Squalicum Boathouse was designed to serve three functions: as a meeting place for conferences, weddings, and public gatherings; as a public restroom for the park; and as a restroom and shower facility for nearby Gate 6 boaters. The floor plan incorporated a catering kitchen and storage areas and was configured to accommodate the privacy of the various users of the facility in the boathouse’s public location.
As the only building in the vicinity, the visual impact of the boathouse was a key factor in the architectural concept. Our design goal was to create a landmark building that would incorporate classic boathouse features to signify the importance of the fishing industry in Bellingham. Design details such as salvaged timber from a nearby web locker and a double-gabled roof topped by a lantern, aesthetically link the boathouse to the waterfront.