Meadow Cove

Midcoast Maine, nestled between Brunswick and Bar Harbor, is defined by its rugged coastlines, charming villages, tidal rivers, and a maritime heritage. Here on a coastal field site, Whitten Architects embarked on a unique project to design a full-time residence that would accommodate three generations of a family. Initially tasked with creating two separate homes on the property, our design approach pivoted as the family  shifted toward a desire for a unified lifestyle, prompting us to merge the designs into a single dwelling for grandparents, parents, and the children.

The challenge of integrating three generations into a single home led to thoughtful design solutions. The home’s layout capitalizes on the site's natural features. The house maintains shoreland setbacks, respecting the existing meadow and maximizing views of the field and water.

The inspiration for our design stemmed from monolithic white gables with crisp lines, softened by natural wood elements. A standing seam metal roof unifies the gable forms, and a glazed entry with a flat roof forms a connection between the public and private spaces. 

As you arrive at  the home, you are guided towards the glazed entry with views of the water beyond. To your right is the shared living space, and to the left are the more private wings, separated by a shared mudroom and laundry, and a sculptural oak staircase leading to the kids' spaces and parents’ office on the second floor.

The heart of the residence is the shared living space, strategically positioned for access  from the grandparents' and parents’/kids’ quarters. The main gathering area, parallel to the water, offers stunning views of the trees and water beyond, and serves as a central hub for whole-family activities with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. The spacious kitchen fosters the family’s love for collaborative cooking with multiple sinks, plenty of work surfaces, and a walk-in pantry. A stone terrace to the south provides the family with an outdoor gathering space and further enhances the connection from inside to out. A screened porch on the westerly end, complete with a wood stove, provides a cozy retreat for enjoying afternoon sunsets.

The parents and grandparents' primary suites, separated by an intimate courtyard, extend towards the water and provide each couple with their own framed views of the surrounding landscape. The single-story grandparents' wing also accommodates an office, sitting room, and a painting studio with a skylight providing soft northern light. Each area is thoughtfully connected to the surroundings, maintaining a delicate balance between privacy and openness.

The families approached the project with a blend of aspirations and practical considerations. During the design process multiple iterations were crafted to strike a balance between fulfilling their desires and adhering to regulatory  constraints.

Our journey in creating this intergenerational residence was a collaborative effort, blending the family's diverse needs and aspirations into a cohesive architectural structure. The result is a timeless haven where generations come together, sharing both communal spaces and private retreats, all against a backdrop of nature's beauty.

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Photography:
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Trent Bell Photography
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Collaborators:

Builder: Bowley Builders

Custom Cabinetry: Block Brothers

Interior Architecture: Whitten Architects

Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates

Landscape Architecture: Richardson & Associates

Landscape Installation: Terrapin Landscapes

Stairs: King & Company