We're excited to get new
photos of our clients’ energy efficient vacation home in Maine!
The architectural design incorporates:
- Small footprint to minimize carbon footprint
- Energy efficiency in all four New England seasons
- Environmentally conscious to minimize site impact
- Low maintenance and durability, easy to open and close up
- Security in rural setting
- Take advantage of lake views
- Possible addition in future
ArchitectJeremy Bonin translated these ideas into an energy efficient home plan,
incorporating these sustainable design considerations:
- Passive solar design, with the first floor receiving the low winter sun (early morning and late evening sun) under the varied depth of the porch roof. The second floor, with a moderate roof overhang, will always have abundant natural light.
- The east, south, and west elevations have windows for natural cross ventilation. A cupola was added to allow for heat release in summer as well as aesthetics.
- Keeping in mind the clients’ plans to possibly build an addition in the future, Jeremy designed the north side of the building, which is the most buildable side of the property, to be easily expanded. The first floor laundry includes a storage bench under a window, both of which can be easily removed and become a doorway into a future addition.
- An open central stairway eliminates the need for hallways which keeps the footprint of the home to a minimum, as well as increasing circulation and natural light between the floors.
- A natural color palette of browns and greens was chosen for the exterior of the home, blending it with the rugged Maine environment.
Energyefficient building materials for this green home include:
- Board and batten and red cedar shingles for low maintenance and are aesthetically appropriate with the property
- Standing seam metal roof for energy efficiency and eliminating snow and ice buildup
- Possible use of SIPs construction
- Energy efficient windows
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