A New York couple looking to relocate closer to family in Maine purchased a wooded 10-acre lot on the shores of the Royal River in North Yarmouth. Briburn was selected to design an energy efficient single-story home with detached garage and a separate artist’s studio capable of reaching net zero energy goals. The structures are sited to create visual and acoustic separation, while maximizing views east to the river and southern orientation for natural light and heat gain in the winter. We worked with Soren DeNiord Design Studio (Landscape Designer) and the owners to develop a series of public and private exterior spaces — auto courts, walking paths, patios and gardens — that contrast yet harmonize with the landscape.

Photovoltaic panels on the studio roof are designed to offset all the energy demand for both the home and studio. The home features 12-inch- thick double-stud exterior walls filled with dense packed cellulose, triple-glazed windows and doors, four inches of rigid insulation beneath the concrete slab foundation, deep roof overhangs to control light on the south side, a highly efficient gas boiler, radiant in-floor heating, and an energy recovery ventilator to circulate fresh air. Taggart Construction in Freeport used tapes and sealant to create a tight building envelope that earned a 0.85 ACH50 rating during the final blower door test, indicating minimal air leakage.

The exterior finishes were chosen for their natural beauty, low maintenance features and to blend with the earth tones found on site. Locally harvested, Thermally modified poplar, which requires no paint finish and is termite and rot resistant, is used for the siding. A poly-ash material is used for the trim around the aluminum-clad wood windows and both the windows and trim are painted dark bronze to create a unified appearance.