Peaks Modern

PROJECT TAGS

Houses

LOCATION

Peaks Island, Maine

BUILDER

Doug Wilbur, Peaks Island

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Roberts

Project Team

Will Winkelman

Cost

$250/sf in 2014, about $525/sf - $625/sf in 2023

Year

2014

OVERVIEW

Tucked away behind some quaint cottages, along a traveled way that is not even considered a street, this wooded lot was the perfect spot for an island hideaway. An existing footpath led back to the site of an earlier cottage, where only the foundation remained.

A right-sized modern home lined in floor-to-ceiling windows that let the outside in

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PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Ideal Home for Intimate Gatherings

Self-professed homebodies, the couple were seeking to build a connected, modern home with just enough space for themselves and a few guests.  The plan was to remove the remains of the existing foundation and build a new 1,200 SF home just beyond. The homeowners were seeking an “austere modern” aesthetic.

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THE SITE

Perfect Spot for Island Getaway

Tucked away behind some quaint cottages, along a traveled way that is not even considered a street, this wooded lot was the perfect spot for an island hideaway. An existing footpath led back to the site of an earlier cottage, where only the foundation remained.

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DESIGN CONCEPTS

Austere Modern Meets Natural Serenity

The design concept centers on creating a modern, minimalist home that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The house features a simple, austere aesthetic with galvanized corrugated steel siding and minimized trim, complemented by warm wood decking that extends the living space into the secluded backyard. Inside, a neutral palette and clean lines are softened by radiant heated concrete floors and abundant natural light, connecting the home to its wooded setting.

Challenges

Modern Aesthetics in a Wooded Setting

Building a modern, austere home on a secluded, wooded lot presented challenges in maintaining the aesthetic while blending with the natural environment. The existing foundation had to be removed, and careful planning was required to ensure that the new 1,200 SF home remained connected to the serene surroundings without overwhelming the space.

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The Results

On the exterior, the house is wrapped in galvanized corrugated steel siding pre-painted stone gray. Trim and flashings are minimized and painted to match the siding. Warm wood decking leads from the path to the entryway and extends the livable space into the private backyard.

Inside, the home is warmed by poured concrete floors and five zones of in-floor radiant heating. The walls are white throughout with trim minimized around doors and windows.

Skylights and mullion-less windows bring in natural light and frame views of the surrounding trees. The neutral palette gets some shine from stainless steel appliances, lighting, and fixtures.