Commercial Architecture

Works in Progress

Belgrade Lakes

This modern home for two doctors in Maine is located on the spectacular Belgrade Lakes. The harsh weather – winter winds off the lake and substantial snowfall – helped to shape the initial architectural strategy.

The large, peaked roof not only sheds snow, but also reduces the brunt of the wind loads by restricting flat, vertical surfaces to the first floor. In addition, due to the deep frost line and high water table the house needed to sit on a “floating slab” foundation. Thus, the volume of the house was designed architecturally as a simple box, without connecting wings or appendages. Instead, a combination of penetrating volumes give visual relief to the expanse of roof. Small dormers mark the children’s rooms while a larger volume expresses the master suite and third floor library above.

The copper green of the metal roof and ebony stained, cedar shingle walls emulate the leaves and bark of the surrounding forest.

Appropriately for the climate, the living room and other public spaces focus on the oversized hearth. While the wood ceiling adds visual warmth, radiant heat in the floor slab brings warmth to the feet.