Mere Point Residence

Project Location: Greater Portland, Maine

Located on a wooded oceanfront site, we designed this Coastal Maine home for an active family of four. Understanding that our client wanted a strong connection to the outdoors and nature, our goal was to create a design that provided a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. It was important to us that views of the site were captured ‘through’ the architecture, not around it. The massing is a collection of simple forms, influenced by Maine vernacular buildings. A contemporary use of exposed timbers provides strong visual interest along the exterior, while the soft color palette of materials blends the home into its natural surroundings.

Site-specific orientation influenced the window openings along the north elevation which are sized to minimize energy loss from winter winds, while the south side fenestration opens up to allow solar gain, and maximize views to the waterfront. High-performance insulation, low maintenance materials, mandatory blower-door testing, radiant heated floors, and a heat recovery ventilation system will provide the owners with efficient energy consumption and low operating costs, as well as long-term value.

We responded to the homeowner’s programmatic needs with a floor plan arranged along the east/west axis. This allowed each primary room a view of the woods and water beyond. The home utilizes an open-plan relationship between the main living spaces, with the bedrooms at far ends of the plan to allow privacy and continue the strong connection to the natural features of the site. Three bedrooms as well as a guest suite above the attached garage, will give the family plenty of room to grow. At just over 3,000 square feet, the main house also includes a full basement with playroom, a generous side-entry mudroom, as well as a southeast facing sunroom. There is even a built-in space for the owner’s two rescue dogs that are cherished members of the family. Our clients took an active role in developing the interiors palette, which included painted accent walls, rich fabrics, and reclaimed wood furnishings. All of these are combined to create a warm and friendly atmosphere that will provide their family with a lifetime of enjoyment and comfort.

Project Completion Date: 2013

Photography:

Trent Bell

Collaborators:

• Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates
• General Contractor: Warren Construction Group