The historical barge society building is a world of its own on the verge of land and water. The building and the floating pier, covered by a common roof, form a peculiar courtyard on the water with a covered terrace around it. The shape of the building alludes to barges as well as to the perished beach house by Arnold Matteus that existed on the same spot.

The complex consists of four simple volumes housing different functions. The biggest one houses the barge workshops, foyer, exposition facilities and children’s adventure grounds. The next one supports open-air exhibitions and events; second biggest volume is meant for vessels’ ground preparation, administration, library, seminar facilities, and archive. The smallest volume closest to the river is the sauna.