Project narrative: One of the project’s most successful aspects is its engagement with the site and the way it connects occupants with the natural beauty and solace that can be found in the surroundings. The house is oriented in a way that balances natural light, views, and privacy while turning its back on winter weather, providing a well-protected, comfortable, and inspiring sense of respite. Exterior decks bridge house and site easing the transition from inside to outside while providing for different experiences depending on weather conditions or mood.
Project location: Southport, Maine
Firm name: Elliott Architects
Completion: 2020
Project type: Single Family Residence
Project information: New construction
Size: 5,905 sf
Client: private
Jury comments: The House on a Bay achieved near-Passive House levels of energy use reduction in a challenging climate while balancing a constricted footprint to maintain compliance with restrictive land use and stormwater requirements in a shoreland zone, earning a Citation Award for Ecology and Energy. The approach consolidated the wetland where it occurred naturally, raised the water level to encourage wetland plant growth and create habitat for wildlife, then re-grade to allow a logical outlet where water flow could be self-maintained. The jury was impressed with the reduction of ground cover with elevated massing and selection of reliant materials. Materials were chosen with durability and longevity in mind, allowing this house to be maintained well into the future.
Images/Photographer(s): Paul Warchol
Landscape Architect: Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture
