Evergreen Landing Cottage
PROJECT TAGS
LOCATION
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
BUILDER
PHOTOGRAPHY
The center form, open, light, and airy with its exposed structure, was inspired by research into the history of this particular island neighborhood, which originated as a methodist tenting community. The 3/4 barrel form and its field of skylights, while stepping away from the literalness of a tented image, are rooted in the lightness of tents.
Maximizing the Views
A 3-season cottage with open public spaces and tons of light, a main level master suite, and 2 guest bedrooms with a bath upstairs. Their goal was for a design with ‘floor to ceiling glass’ to maximize the views, and yet for the new design to weave into the existing context of the island.
Glass and Tradition Combined
The cottage features floor-to-ceiling glass to maximize views and natural light, complemented by traditional materials for the flanking structures. These materials were chosen to blend contemporary design with the existing architectural character of the island community.
Contemporary Design With Northerly Views
A tight, sloping waterfront site within a thickly settled seasonal community, with north-facing views of Great Diamond Island and Casco Bay. Calls for a two-part solution. First, daylight: Create a center light-filled contemporary single-story living/dining/kitchen space within a 3/4 barrel-vaulted roof structure.
This space is rotated in plan to sit square to its prime northerly view (skewed to its neighbors). Second: Embed two flanking ‘book-end’ type traditional forms, sitting normal (square) to the neighbors. One contains (and signals) front entry, the other contains bedroom functions and an upper-level program. Their traditional proportions and detail tie the structure as a whole to the surrounding neighborhood.
Overcoming Site Constraints
The project faced challenges due to the tight, sloping waterfront site and the need to integrate modern elements into a traditional neighborhood. Balancing the open, light-filled design with the site’s constraints required careful planning and innovative solutions.
The Results
The completed cottage beautifully merges modern and traditional elements, with floor-to-ceiling glass maximizing views and light. Despite the sloping site, the design ensures seamless integration with the island’s architecture, creating a functional, light-filled retreat that honors its surroundings.
