Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Diffuse Dock
Diffuse Dock
Austin, TX, United States
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Miró Rivera Architects
Diffuse Dock
Austin, TX, United States
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
1000 sqft - 3000 sqft
Emerging from Lake Austin like a shimmering seashell or mythical water creature, the Diffuse Dock contains two boat slips beneath a curvaceous canopy of perforated stainless-steel panels.
The form of the boat dock—a framework of ribs spanned by a thin, perforated surface—was inspired by the organic structure of seashells, whose curves and distortions serve to strengthen and stiffen the shells. The design went through many iterations to achieve the desired clearances within; the overall shape of the dock, the pattern on each panel, and the arc of each panel were developed through custom parametric scripts that allowed for quick, iterative design options.
Fourteen painted steel ribs, each 29 feet long and assembled from three segments, form the superstructure. Each rib comprises two 9” outer plates sandwiching an 8” inner plate, creating a 1” channel where the stainless panels are attached. Horizontal bracing is provided by staggered ¾” steel plates hidden from view. The ribs connect to HSS beams resting on round steel piles, braced underwater with ⅝” rods. Hydraulic lifts are hidden beneath the piers.
Stainless steel was chosen for its durability as well as its ability to reflect and refract its surroundings. The panel pattern, inspired by reptile skin, was digitally traced and modified into four levels of openness (67%, 48%, 31%, 17%); the panels shift from more open near the water to more closed above 12 feet, where solid panels begin. Eyebrow-shaped gaps overhead allow for ventilation.
Viewed from certain angles, the sidewalls appear to dissolve into the rippling surface of the water. Throughout the day, the dock’s tone and texture subtly change with the quality of water, light, and air. At night, the structure transforms into a glowing lantern that dissolves into the water’s surface.
The form of the boat dock—a framework of ribs spanned by a thin, perforated surface—was inspired by the organic structure of seashells, whose curves and distortions serve to strengthen and stiffen the shells. The design went through many iterations to achieve the desired clearances within; the overall shape of the dock, the pattern on each panel, and the arc of each panel were developed through custom parametric scripts that allowed for quick, iterative design options.
Fourteen painted steel ribs, each 29 feet long and assembled from three segments, form the superstructure. Each rib comprises two 9” outer plates sandwiching an 8” inner plate, creating a 1” channel where the stainless panels are attached. Horizontal bracing is provided by staggered ¾” steel plates hidden from view. The ribs connect to HSS beams resting on round steel piles, braced underwater with ⅝” rods. Hydraulic lifts are hidden beneath the piers.
Stainless steel was chosen for its durability as well as its ability to reflect and refract its surroundings. The panel pattern, inspired by reptile skin, was digitally traced and modified into four levels of openness (67%, 48%, 31%, 17%); the panels shift from more open near the water to more closed above 12 feet, where solid panels begin. Eyebrow-shaped gaps overhead allow for ventilation.
Viewed from certain angles, the sidewalls appear to dissolve into the rippling surface of the water. Throughout the day, the dock’s tone and texture subtly change with the quality of water, light, and air. At night, the structure transforms into a glowing lantern that dissolves into the water’s surface.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.