Kevin Browne Architecture has designed this Japandi-influenced dream home that is nestled on the dramatic rocky coastline of Cape Neddick in southern Maine. This newly designed refuge offers panoramic views, as well as living, entertaining, and working spaces, catering to the lifestyle needs of its design-minded owners. Simple forms are interconnected to create an expansive and cohesive living space.
Exhibiting a modern aesthetic with an eye to sustainability, this home’s “Japandi” design focuses on simplicity, nature, and coziness. The owners had lived in the original house on the site for years and had a comprehensive understanding of the views their property offered. They spent a significant amount of time outside on the original deck, relaxing and entertaining family and friends. Their new home needed to have this as one of the main focal points.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Kevin Browne Architecture BUILDER Richard Moody & Sons Construction LANDSCAPE Soren Deniord Design Studio ENGINEER Albert Putnam Associates INTERIOR DESIGN Clients and Kevin Browne Architecture
Once the existing house was demolished and all salvageable materials were donated, the team meticulously determined the vertical location of the new home by building a set of stand-alone stairs and climbing to different heights to look out over the ocean. This exercise led to a first-floor height that elevates the inhabitant to a level where the land is no longer visible, creating the impression of being aboard a ship.
Approaching the front entry and utilizing full-height glazing, a visitor can look past the living room out to the ocean beyond. A three-sided fireplace in the living room provides an internal focal point for dark, cozy evenings. Directly adjacent to the living room is a large dining area, with a wet bar adjacent to an extensive kitchen. These three spaces coexist while remaining functionally separate, all while enjoying the ocean view.
Stepping to the exterior reveals an ample deck, expanding the full length of the house. The deck includes several seating areas along with a grill, a plunge pool, and an outdoor shower. Wrap-around steps lead down to the lawn with plenty of space for yard games on sunny days. The cantilevered guest rooms, along with a second-floor deck, provide shaded seating areas on the deck below.
The overall building envelope is designed to be within “A Pretty Good House” standards. Exterior insulation was used to minimize thermal bridging, with the wall cavity and roof filled with dense-pack cellulose insulation. The air sealing of the home was given close attention, maximizing airtightness throughout all stages of construction.
The heating and cooling needs, along with the electric car charger, are offset by the solar panels that were installed on the south-facing roofs. A low-maintenance green roof was utilized to reduce the roof’s temperature and minimize water runoff. The surrounding yard features low-maintenance landscaping and native plants, reducing the need for watering.
What We Love: This Japandi-inspired home offers a fabulous beach house to relax and unwind with comfortable indoor-outdoor living spaces. Large windows help to frame the peaceful seaside views while bringing in abundant daylight. We are loving the harmonious flow in this home, the serene color palette selection, clean lines, and use of natural materials that evoke a sense of calm. Every detail feels intentional, creating a tranquil retreat by the sea.
Tell Us: Would this home be your ideal beachside refuge? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Maine: Inside this spectacular ski house with a scenic overlook of Sugarloaf Mountain and Cozy cabin with summer camp vibes on the tranquil coastline of Maine.
PHOTOGRAPHER Jeff Roberts Imaging
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