Located on an island, near the mouth of the Kennebec River, the house faces south with views of the surrounding bay and the ocean. The house, set against granite ledges and pine trees, recedes into the background through the use of natural materials and a carefully modulated structural bay system.

The main house and guest house are connected by a series of wood decks. The screen porch which frames initial views of the water acts as an air lock. The two building and decks form a series of indoor and outdoor rooms which engage the surrounding landscape. A bridge at the second floor connects to the exposed ledge that rises behind the house to the north.

An exterior stair at the second floor leads to the roof terrace that acts as a water collector, and a platform for solar electric panels mounted on angled frames. The terrace is combination of wood deck and vegetative planters.

The 3 kw solar electric panels are grid-tied by an underwater electric cable.Heat is provided by radiant heated floors and wood burning stoves. The exterior wall system is a combination of high performance windows and a tight and highly insulated thermal envelop.

All materials were brought to the site by water and landed on the beach below. The steel frame sits directly on feldspar ledge to provide a light footprint on the landscape and an efficient structural system. The approach to the house is from the water to the south and the over the island from the east. The interior is a combination of exposed fir beams and spruce decking at the ceiling and plaster walls. The exterior is clad in cedar boards and copper which are intended to weather naturally and blend into the landscape.

Photos: Brian Vanden Brink