Aerial view of modern floating homes with solar panels on rooftops, surrounded by water and small boats.

Boston Pier

Location: Charlestown Navy Yard Pier 5, Hudson Harbour

Status: Shortlisted tender stage

Client: Boston Planning and Development Agency with 6M Development‍
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Scale: Site Area: c165,000 sq ft

Constraints: Existing Pier 5 and tidal range of the Hudson River

Scope of Works: Full Architectural Service

World map with country borders and a red location marker on the northeastern United States near Boston.

Background

In collaboration with Waterstudio.NL, we were commissioned to explore proposals for transforming a former naval pier in Charlestown, Boston, into the U.S. East Coast’s first floating housing community.

The project addresses rising urban real estate costs and the increasing demand for affordable, climate-resilient housing.

By treating the waterfront as a strategic urban asset, the development seeks to provide high-quality homes while activating public spaces and promoting sustainable city living.

The scheme also demonstrates a scalable model for coastal cities worldwide, showcasing how floating architecture can adapt to rising sea levels and evolving market needs.

Architectural conceptual sketch of buildings on a narrow land strip surrounded by blue water with green trees and docks.
Aerial view of a waterfront area with docks, boats, marina slips, green park spaces, and a large ship docked at a pier.

Process

The design strategy involved selectively demolishing sections of the dormant pier to create four anchor islands for floating homes.

These floating pontoons allow buildings to rise and fall with tidal changes, offering a flexible approach to urban waterfront development.

Modern prefabricated timber construction supports rapid off-site assembly, minimising disruption and allowing for adaptable housing typologies.

Each island is designed with distinct character and amenities, including pocket parks, wetlands, public promenades, retail spaces, and event areas.

Pedestrian circulation is prioritizsed, while water taxis and private boats provide additional transport options.

Aerial view of a modern waterfront residential development with rows of brown houses, green landscaping, a sailboat, and two small motorboats in the water.
3D model of a waterfront area with piers extending over dark water and white block-style buildings.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with piers and surrounding buildings.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with piers extending over dark water and block-shaped buildings surrounding the harbor.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with piers, docks, and block-shaped buildings.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with piers and block-shaped buildings.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with several T-shaped piers extending into dark water and surrounding white buildings.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with four docked platforms and surrounding white buildings.
3D architectural model showing a waterfront area with multiple rectangular buildings and docks extending into the water.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with multiple white buildings and a pier with green rooftop sections.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with white buildings and green rooftop sections on several structures.
3D model of a waterfront urban development with six yellow-highlighted rectangular buildings on a pier surrounded by water and adjacent white building structures.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with six yellow buildings aligned on a pier surrounded by water and white surrounding structures.
3D architectural model showing a waterfront development with yellow-highlighted buildings on piers surrounded by water and white buildings on the shore.
3D architectural model of a waterfront area with two rows of yellow and orange buildings on piers extending into the water, surrounded by white structures and docks.
3D architectural model showing a waterfront development with multiple yellow and orange buildings on piers surrounded by water and white surrounding structures.
3D architectural model of a waterfront development with yellow and orange buildings separated by water channels and docks.
3D model of a waterfront urban development with multiple modern buildings, green spaces, docks, sailboats and motorboats in the water.
Modern waterfront homes lining a canal with people kayaking and a boat in the distance under a sunny sky.
Modern floating homes with large glass windows along a waterfront, featuring boats and lush greenery on the floating platforms.

Architecture

The floating homes are highly insulated prefabricated timber structures, rising no more than 12 meters above the pier, designed to achieve LEED Platinum standards. They comprise a mix of townhouses, duplexes, and apartments with balconies and roof terraces. The lowest level is partially submerged, contributing to buoyancy.

The home layouts maximise waterfront views, provide direct water access, and allow flexibility for future market demands. Landscape design integrates swales, wetland fringes, and public pathways, creating a vibrant, climate-adaptive neighbourhood. Each island acts as a “catalyst,” seamlessly combining residential, leisure, and retail functions with public amenities along the waterfront.

Urban pocket park with children playing on swings and trampoline, adults sitting on benches, and landscaped flower beds along a paved walkway beside modern buildings.
Modern waterfront buildings with rooftop greenery and outdoor seating reflected in calm harbor water under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Modern canal-side residential area with wooden houses, people walking along the path, and a person taking a photo near the water.
Modern floating pier with large glass windows and terraces on calm water under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
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