BOKA Powell’s “Lakehouse” concept is now on display at City Hall along with nine other finalists.
"Our design incorporates a flexible events space and juice bar on the top floor, a yoga and climbing studio on the main floor, as well as boat rental space outside," said Nathan Wilcox of BOKA Powell.
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) August 02, 2013
This week, BOKA Powell and Design Workshop were selected as finalists in the City of Austin’s design competition for the historic Seaholm Power Plant’s water intake station. The BOKA Powell/Design Workshop “Lakehouse” concept is now on display at City Hall along with nine other finalists, selected out of more than 150 entrants worldwide.
The team’s flexible design allows for a wide range of public and recreational uses, including special events, food service, fitness, wellness, roof gardens, exhibits, water play and performance spaces.
“Situated on Lady Bird Lake with direct access to the park and walking trails, the Seaholm Power Plant Intake Station has the potential to become a central location for healthy activities here in Austin,” said Nathan Wilcox, project designer, BOKA Powell. “Our design incorporates a flexible events/wellness space and juice bar on the top floor, a yoga and climbing studio on the main floor, as well as boat rental space outside.”
In addition to adapting the existing concrete structure, which sat vacant for decades, BOKA Powell and Design Workshop developed concepts for the surrounding outside space along the public park.
“Our concept is designed to improve connectivity to downtown, as well as the adjoining hike and bike trail, and provides a variety of amenities for all demographics,” said Philip Koske, landscape designer with Design Workshop. “We sought to blend the facility’s indoor and outdoor experiences to provide a restful and useful place for Austin residents to enjoy.”
A mobile barge is attached as a static deck along the lake frontage, and can be repositioned for alternative uses such as kayak concerts, triathlon launching points, fireworks watching platforms and more.
“A figurative architectural connection slices between the existing buildings and forms a portal to the lake stretching all the way across the street and connecting to downtown Austin,” says Wilcox.
Local artist Magda Sayeg and real estate consultant Will Steakley from Den Property Group also contributed to the design team.
About BOKA Powell
BOKA Powell is a nationally recognized architectural design, planning and interior design firm, with office locations in Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. BOKA Powell’s areas of focus include commercial office, health care, hospitality, higher education, multi-family and mixed use planning and design. Other notable Austin projects include RiverView Apartments, Lamar Plaza South, and the W Austin. http://www.bokapowell.com
About Design Workshop:
Founded in 1969, Design Workshop is an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm with six offices in the U.S. and work spanning the globe. The firm has been recognized with over 200 prestigious awards for its work in new communities, urban centers, resorts, public parks, golf courses and residences. http://www.designworkshop.com
