Header: Leonid Furmansky, Charles Davis Smith
Down a steeply sloped ravine in Austin, Texas, where the land meets the water, sits a structure that is much more than just a place to park a boat. The Filtered Frame Dock, a project by Matt Fajkus Architecture, is a space designed for enjoying the outdoors. It recently earned recognition for its clever design, winning the BLT Built Design Award in the Small Architecture category. The project’s goal was to build a beautiful structure that enhances the experience of being on the lake, whether you are on the dock itself or viewing it from the water.
A structure designed by the sun
The core idea behind the dock is its relationship with sunlight and air. Conceived as an instrument for light and ventilation, the entire structure was calibrated to achieve a specific request from the client: to have a fifty-fifty split of sun and shade throughout the year. On the equinox, this design results in a perfect balance between light and shadow. This calibration is not static; it responds to the seasons. During the intense heat of a Texas summer, the dock provides more shade for comfort. In the cooler winter months, it cleverly allows more sun to pass through, creating a warm and welcoming spot.
The architecture of the experience
The dock’s unique form is a direct result of its function. The roof is made of two triangular planes of mild steel, positioned to control direct sunlight while opening up specific views of the surrounding lake and ravine as a tool that frames the natural environment. The north and south walls are not solid but are made of perforated stainless steel screens. These screens serve a dual purpose. They provide important structural reinforcement for the entire frame and also act as a filter for sunlight and lake breezes, creating a pattern of dappled light that moves throughout the day. This setup allows people to feel connected to the environment while being sheltered from its harsher elements.
Materials for lakeside living
Built by Risinger Build, the dock uses a combination of materials chosen for both their feel and their durability. Familiar elements like rich hardwood for the decking and natural stone connect the structure to the land. These are paired with an industrial steel frame that is specially designed and treated to withstand the demanding, fluctuating conditions of a marine environment. The steel’s surfaces were intentionally refined to catch and reflect the ambient light and the warm colors of the wood, the stone, the water, and the nearby plants, making the structure an active part of its location. By carefully considering the sun and the site, the Filtered Frame Dock sits with a minimal footprint, creating a special place that connects the experiences of land, water, and sky.
Project info
Design Company: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Lead Designer: Matt Fajkus
Architecture Firm: Matt Fajkus Architecture
Construction Company: Risinger Build
Photo Credit: Leonid Furmansky, Charles Davis Smith
Project Location: Austin, TX, USA
Project Date: March 2019
