Wooded Island Camp
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Situated on a serene, 3.2-acre private island in Oxford County, this project sought to create a modest yet functional camp for a family of four and their guests. Embracing the island's natural beauty and secluded setting, the design aimed to blend harmoniously with the wooded landscape while providing comfortable living spaces and panoramic views of the surrounding pond.
Off-the-grid Maine island camp with plenty of creature comforts
Modest Camp with Flexible Living Spaces
The clients wanted a modest (1700 sf, including screened porches and a loft bedroom) camp to accommodate their family of four as well as guests. There is an overflow platform tent when additional sleeping quarters are needed.
The program was divided into small “pods” linked by porches. There is a one-and-half-story sleeping pod with a main-level bedroom, loft bedroom, full bath, and storage. An entry porch links the sleeping pod to the kitchen/living pod. Off the kitchen/living pod is a large screened-in porch with sweeping views of the pond. The porch is designed with flexibility in mind to allow for half of the space to be closed off with folding glass panels to protect from the elements in inclement weather. Seasonally the bedroom pod can be closed off and custom-built futons and a high loft allow for sleeping space near a soapstone wood stove.
Reclaimed Materials and Thoughtful Craftsmanship
The builder, Henry Banks, sourced southern yellow pine timbers from a dismantled Maine paper mill which were milled to size for roof framing and select woodwork, revealing the beauty of the reclaimed wood. A select number of oak trees were cleared for the new camp as well as to create a small clearing to provide adequate sun on a small shed with solar hot water and solar electric panels on a pivoting roof (to optimize the sun angle seasonally) and these trees were also milled on-site with a portable sawmill, this wood was used for some interior finished as well furniture.
The design goal for the exterior siding was to mimic the feel and color of bark so hand-split cedar shakes were used to provide texture and a semi-transparent charcoal gray stain was used.
Camp Design Blends Seamlessly with Nature
Not wanting to detract from the beauty of the wooded site the camp was designed to blend in with the surroundings. Because the island is located on the less developed end of the pond the clients and design team were very sensitive to making sure the building was screened from view and light and transparent.
The inspiration for camp was found in modest Scandinavian camps that blended into the natural surroundings. The building is highly crafted, with every finish being carefully selected. Shed roofs were used to focus and open the views out towards the water and woods and flood the spaces with natural light.
Off-Grid and Secluded
The site is a 3.2-acre, private island on the quiet, less-developed end of an Oxford County pond. The island is heavily wooded with old-growth oak trees and has sweeping 360-degree views of the pond. An existing camp was located on the site allowing reconstruction to a 60-foot setback from the shore. A small, existing clearing near the camp was a natural place to build while keeping as many of the old-growth trees as possible. Being on an island meant that the new camp needed to be off the grid. Because of the island’s location, all building materials and builders themselves had to travel to the island by boat.
The Results
The result is a meticulously crafted camp comprising small interconnected pods linked by porches, offering both privacy and shared gathering spaces. Carefully selected building materials, including reclaimed southern yellow pine and hand-split cedar shakes, not only contribute to the rustic aesthetic but also minimize the environmental impact. With off-grid capabilities and thoughtful design elements such as folding glass panels and flexible sleeping arrangements, the camp seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, providing a tranquil retreat that celebrates the beauty of its island surroundings.
