Trefethen Beach Cottage
The project involved revitalizing an existing cottage with original fir beadboard walls and ceilings, situated to capture a west-facing beach and harbor view. The challenge lay in reimagining its segregated spaces into a cohesive, water view-oriented layout while enhancing the kitchen’s functionality and connection to the living areas.
Project Details
Location:
Peaks Island, Maine
Structural Architects:
Winkelman Lead
Builder:
Bill Bunton
Photography:
James R. Salomon
Recognition
Project Requirements
The client program required us to connect and internally expand living and dining spaces, and to create a new and comfortable kitchen which is open to living / dining and shares the water view.
The Site
The existing cottage, which has original fir beadboard walls and ceilings, has a west facing beach and harbor view. its main level plan consisted of segregated spaces which weren’t water view-oriented and its kitchen spare and isolated.
Design Concepts
A primary goal was to clarify entry / mudroom circulation, giving daylight and water view as one enters. The new kitchen was located partially in a southerly expansion, giving it direct water views and daylight. The living / dining / kitchen are individually defined but open and connected. Painted beadboard was woven into the natural beadboard interior for lightness and contrast.
The Results
The project achieved its goal of revitalizing the cottage into a modern, functional living space while preserving its original charm and maximizing its connection to the stunning waterfront views. Through strategic design interventions, including redefined entryways and an expanded kitchen with direct water views, the cottage now offers a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor living and enhanced functionality. The integration of painted and natural beadboard adds a touch of modernity and contrast, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.
