Some projects stand out because of their design. Others stand out because of the challenges it takes to get them done. This waterfront boathouse project in Ontario, Canada, had plenty of both.

PowerLift Doors by Marco Fabricating supplied two 16′ x 8′ hydraulic doors for this unique boathouse. The large architectural openings were designed to provide convenient access to the building while maintaining the clean, modern appearance of the waterfront property.

Before installation could begin, however, the doors first had to reach the jobsite.

The remote location presented an unusual challenge because the property was not easily accessible by road. The solution was to transport the doors and necessary equipment by boat. From the loading point, it was a 1½-hour boat ride across the water to reach the boathouse.

It wasn’t an everyday delivery, but it demonstrates the flexibility required when working on custom projects in unique locations.

Once installed, the two PowerLift hydraulic doors became a major architectural feature of the boathouse. Each 16′ x 8′ door opens outward and upward, creating a large, unobstructed opening. When raised, the doors also create an overhang outside the building, adding another functional element to the design.

The result is a boathouse that can open up to its surroundings and take full advantage of its waterfront setting. The large openings make it easy to move equipment in and out while giving the building an open-air feel when the doors are raised.

The natural wood exterior combined with the black PowerLift door frames gives the building a distinctive architectural appearance that fits naturally into the lakeside environment. Rather than looking like traditional overhead doors, the hydraulic doors become part of the overall design of the structure.

Projects like this are a great example of why custom hydraulic doors are well suited for more than traditional agricultural, aviation, and commercial buildings. With the right design, they can become an architectural feature for boathouses, lake homes, shops, entertainment spaces, and other specialty buildings.

From transporting two 16′ x 8′ doors on a 1½-hour boat ride to seeing them operating on the finished boathouse, this Ontario project was anything but ordinary.

PowerLift Doors by Marco Fabricating is proud to have been part of a project where custom fabrication, architectural design, and a little creative transportation came together on the water.