Boardwalk Project
-Blending structure into nature
This project was a unique opportunity completed with one other colleague. The goal was to design and construct a functional boardwalk, providing access to a coastal marsh ecosystem so that it could be enjoyed with minimal impact on either flora or fauna. We were given design leeway, but collaborated with the client to be sure our product matched their requirements, and worked within a strict time constraint. A key aesthetic concern was to utilize curves that blended well with the landscape and followed existing game trails. We worked through the late winter as the town permitting allowed for a limited window outside the nesting period of a local endangered bird. Coastal Maine weather was also an impediment as large storms would leave the march flooded, and impossible to work in until draining naturally.
The initial section measured approximately 1500 linear feet, required a span over a river, included bench and camping platform, and was completed in under 6 weeks by our 2-man team. We returned in the late fall to complete an extension of another 600’ through more difficult wooded terrain.
Aside from the construction, the most enjoyable aspect of this project was blending the deck boards so they curved fluidly above the otherwise straight 8 foot spans. We established a workflow which allowed us to create an optimized spline, keeping the boards evenly-spaced, with very symmetric overhang and a visually appealing profile through every curve.
Woolrich Advertisement
Our work was featured in an ad filmed in this beautiful coastal Maine area. Bikers can be seen enjoying the new path between 0:22 and 0:34.
Video Walkabout
Enjoy a video tour of the full boardwalk length.