Project overview

This open façade belies an efficient structure designed to stay warm through the cold Maine winter. Designed to be active and efficient in all four seasons, the home allows for fresh air ventilation in the summer and abundant sunlight in the winter.

Design criteria

Concept

With the ceiling and floor framing spanning the width of the space, the building celebrates the openness that can be enjoyed without interior bearing walls. The floor plan allows connectivity between spaces, including an open bathing alcove and walk-through closet that both allow light to penetrate deep into the space. Southern solar exposure along the window wall is a priority to accomplish passive solar heating.

Site

The home is surrounded by a light deciduous forest, giving easy privacy to the home's windows. This allowed a celebration of openness in traditionally closed spaces like the shower and closet. We took advantage of the site’s natural downslope to create a walk-out daylight basement, which adds an independent apartment or extra space for visitors.

Materials

The concrete floor features hydronic heat and functions as a thermal mass, holding and distributing heat in the home. We simplified the framing strategy as much as possible to reduce overall material usage. Exterior insulation called for zero-overhang detailing, no thermal bridging, and an overall robust envelope.

Build

A dedicated one-man contractor built the majority of the home. Some specifications were adjusted for local availability, construction norms, and affordability.

Credits