Bark Shingle Camp
PROJECT TAGS
LOCATION
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
BUILDER
PHOTOGRAPHY
Project Team
Cost
Year
For the past 20 years, this five-acre spot on Great Pond in central Maine has been the homeowners’ summer retreat. The family wanted to respect and maintain the existing house and build an additional space that would be comfortable for two people and also comfortably accommodate a family of five.
Wrapped in poplar bark shingles and tucked into the trees, this family camp is nearly invisible unless you know where to look
Spacious Interiors for Family Gatherings
The clients wished to retain as many trees as possible and opted for natural, low-maintenance landscaping around the new home. Inside the couple was looking for open spaces for family gatherings, but also cozy features like a natural granite wood-burning fireplace and a built-in reading nook.
Rustic Yet Inviting Home Design
One of the top priorities was for the home to be low maintenance, so a palette of hardy materials that could weather naturally was selected. Poplar bark shingles clad the house and meet a rambling stone base, sourced from an old stone wall. Hemlock trim weathers beautifully and fits agreeably into the wooded surroundings. The copper standing seam roof will shed snow and patina with time and complement the copper details between shingles and stone.
The stone entry patio and massive single-slab hearth make it feel as though the home is seated on a natural ledge of granite. From large boulders on the ground, the granite stone climbs upward to the chimney.
For the interior, the goal was a warm and inviting environment that was both cozy and bright. They opted for a harmony of woods including walls and ceilings lined with natural tongue and groove pine boards, rustic heart pine floors in varying widths, and peeled log posts. Iron fittings and fixtures provide contrast and deliver simple utility.
Blend of Shoreline and Wooded Areas
The site provides a combination of natural woods, open spaces, and 650 feet of shoreline. The new building is situated to the north of the family whiffle ball field so that games can be observed from the new screen porch.
Through the preservation of existing trees and the use of natural materials, the house is designed to blend softly into the landscape, remaining barely visible from the lake. The home’s angles highlight water views, with the 2,400-square-foot structure curving along the pond setback to offer stunning lake views from nearly every room. The screen porch acts as a welcoming intermediary space between the main house and guest areas.
Preserving Trees and Maximizing Views
The primary challenge was to design a new structure that blended with the existing landscape while maintaining as many trees as possible. The house’s sitting and angles were meticulously planned to highlight lake views from nearly every room, ensuring the home feels connected to its natural setting while offering privacy and serenity.
The Results
The home incorporates practical features like a first-floor master suite, an outdoor shower, and a mudroom with space for golf clubs, enhancing its functionality. Filled with serene views, natural materials, and inviting entertainment spaces, the house provides an ideal setting for family gatherings and peaceful solitude, creating a balanced retreat in harmony with its natural surroundings.
