Cole Farm Residence
Project Location: Scarborough, Maine
This contemporary farmhouse in Scarborough takes its cues from an historic 1915 milking barn that was once part of a dairy. Built of hemlock and spruce with mortise-and-tenon joinery, the 40- by 60-foot timber frame barn was no longer in use, but remained in excellent condition. We relocated the barn to the site and designed a new farmhouse to go with it, creating a modern connected farmstead that would serve as a lifetime home for a couple with adult children and grandchildren.
Our clients’ requirements included space for home offices, a fully equipped wood working shop, a four-season porch, a caretaker apartment, and generous living spaces for large family gatherings. Our design also needed to take accessibility into account for an older family member in a wheelchair.
We sited the house strategically to take advantage of passive-solar orientation and outdoor spaces. The barn was placed on the northwest end of the house to shelter the rest of the home from prevailing winter winds. Wide hallways, flat thresholds, and simple ledges make it easily accessible for those with limited mobility. All first-floor living spaces relate to the central fieldstone fireplace, with a remotely positioned master suite. Two guest bedrooms on the second floor have a shared bath. The barn spaces are organized within the existing timber frame grid and are used for wood working, garage space, a mudroom, storage, and a grandchildren’s play space, as well as a future caretaker apartment. A new cupola was added to take advantage of the water view. In the kitchen, a large skylight floods the center island with natural light balanced by strong light from north-facing windows. Hardwood floors and bluestone patios provide simple, smooth, and durable surfaces. Systems include a high-efficiency propane boiler, radiant floors, low-voltage lighting, networked computer systems, and high-performance insulation.
Project Completion Date: 2007
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Collaborators:
- General Contractor: Eider Investments
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