Next Up

Ship-Inspired Lakehouse for Oil Tanker Captain

October 21, 2015

With a tall profile, porthole-inspired touches and deck-like balconies from which to view the nearby lake, this Austin retreat by Jenkins Custom Homes offers an oil tanker captain a "ship" to call home.

Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money off these affiliate links. Learn more.
Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
Scroll For More Photos
1 / 27

Ship Shape

Built for an oil tanker captain, this Austin home is designed vertically to mimic the look of a ship.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
2 / 27

Vaulted Living

The living space of the home sits 50 feet above the ground both to protect it from the surrounding floodplain and to amplify the look of a floating vessel. 

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
3 / 27

Going Vertical

The three-story home is designed to capture views of its surroundings from each side. 

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
4 / 27

Ship in the Sky

"Our architect made that structure with that butterfly roof and said we want it to look something like a ‘Star Trek’ type ship up in the sky," says Bethany Jenkins, vice president of Jenkins Custom Homes.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
5 / 27

Sheltered Outdoor Room

Sleek columns made of local, native stone lift the home high enough to create a sheltered outdoor living space on the first floor.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
6 / 27

Multi-Layered Living

A sunken seating area with built-in concrete benches is centered around a modern concrete fire pit. The seating area shares a wall with the hot tub, making the transition from one spot to the next a cinch.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
7 / 27

Breezy Entertaining

An outdoor kitchen makes entertaining a breeze at this contemporary home. Guests can chat around the black and white island while the chef prepares a quick meal at the nearby grill.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
8 / 27

Pool With a View

The infinity edge pool and spa enjoy views of the nearby lake.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
9 / 27

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Large sliding glass doors open this living room up to a covered patio, creating indoor-outdoor functionality. A warm brown and beige color palette ties the spaces together.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
10 / 27

Clean and Spacious

A lengthy leather sectional fits this spacious living room well and provides plenty of seating for a crowd. Built-in cabinets coordinate with the hue of the sofa and offer concealed storage to keep the space clean and uncluttered.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
11 / 27

Easy Flow

The living room flows seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen in this contemporary home, creating an open concept design perfect for entertaining a crowd. Guests can simultaneously relax in the living room, dine in the dining area and mingle in the kitchen.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
12 / 27

Stylish Dining

The dining area features a long dining table and sleek dining chairs. Three pendants provide stylish lighting, and a large window offers stunning views.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
13 / 27

Circle Up

The homeowner requested circular designs in the home, which can be seen in the details such as the modern chandeliers in the dining space. The circular designs are meant to invoke the portholes seen on ships.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
14 / 27

Defining the Look

The lights hanging help define the dining space in this open concept home.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
15 / 27

Creating a Show Piece

To combat the long, angular outlook of the kitchen, the team installed two large islands with waterfall-edge granite, creating a show piece out of a strange space. 

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
16 / 27

Plenty of Prep Space

Dual islands offer ample prep space and a spot for quick, effortless dining in this contemporary kitchen. The kitchen employs a neutral color palette to unite its use of varied materials.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
17 / 27

Design in the Round

Situated just off the kitchen, this entertainment area features a wet bar and chic wine storage. The round dining table mimics the shape of the room and is meant to evoke the look of a porthole.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
18 / 27

Design in the Details

This wine room features a modern hand-blow​n​ glass chandelier suspend​ed​ from the ceiling to illuminate the circular space. Curved wine racks offer ample space to store wine, which is easily accessed with a rolling ladder. To give the ​room an organic look with a modern twist, stone is laid vertically instead of horizontally.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
19 / 27

Stylish Staircase

A glass wall encloses this contemporary staircase, making the space safe without sacrificing style. Warm brown treads contrast with crisp white risers for a striking look.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
20 / 27

Room With a View

Clerestory windows and sliding glass doors work together to create a bright, fresh atmosphere in this contemporary bedroom. A soft, neutral color palette and minimal decor keep the space feeling casual and relaxed.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
21 / 27

Spa-Like Bathroom

Two separate vanities, each with their own sink, countertop, mirror and cabinets, ensure space for two in this contemporary bathroom. Situated just past the vanities is a nook with a freestanding bathtub, offering a bit of privacy for bathing.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
22 / 27

Rustic Touches

The Jenkins Custom Design team added their own Hill Country style with small touches of reclaimed wood on the walls of the master bathroom and contrasting it with plenty of glamour.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
23 / 27

Captain's Chair

The home office boats floor-to-ceiling windows, offering the homeowner the familiar feel of a bridge.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham
24 / 27

Standing at the Bow

This contemporary balcony features a glass railing for uninterrupted views of the picturesque lake. A sleek fire feature keeps the space warm on cool nights.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
25 / 27

Inviting Approach

A paver driveway lined with trees creates a charming entry to this contemporary home. A sleek stone facade juts out in the front, catching your eye upon arrival.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
26 / 27

Highlighting the Architecture

Outdoor lighting draws attention to the use of mixed materials on this contemporary home exterior, highlighting the home's dynamic combinations.

More photos after this Ad

Photo: Tre Dunham. From: Jenkins Design Build
27 / 27

Set Sail

With bow-like decks overlooking a nearby lake, the home nearly looks like a ship that's ready to sail.