Ice Point
A serene family home inspired by the French countryside.
Location: York, Maine
Team: Architect: Whitten Architects Collaborating Team Members: Associate Principal – Jessie Carroll Architect – Roo Collins Designer – Jesse Patkus Founding Principal – Rob Whitten Builder: Bowley Builders Interior Designer: Heidi Lachapelle Interiors Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates Landscape Architect: Richardson & Associates Landscape Design Lead: David Bayer (previously of Richardson & Associates) Landscape Installer: Terrapin Landscapes Lighting Designer: Reflex Lighting Group Lighting Design Lead: Grace Rote (now Founder of Light + Form Studio) Photography: Trent Bell Photography
(*Jessie Carroll led the design team while at Whitten Architects)
A client with superior taste and vision can be a gift to a client centered designer. Here the client approached the design team with reclaimed materials in hand, and with an idea to design a home around oversized exterior doors. Luckily this coastal site too demanded such an approach. The through house massive sliding doors are the centerpiece of the gathering spaces, balancing the preferred solar exposure opposite the view. The home simply flows around this focal moment.
The home's organization follows a familiar family pattern. Child and adult spaces are separated by the gathering spaces. The first-floor primary suite resides in the east and the child centered spaces to the west.
The calm architectural details both inside and out reflect the clients’ wishes for a spa-like feel inspired by their French countryside vacation home. The flush millwork flows seamlessly into the wall while showcasing their Plain English Kitchen and custom furnishing. The minimal low lighting enhances the moody nature of the space, while enhancing the textural quality of the materials.
This home was an exercise in restraint in architectural design and was brilliantly executed by a gifted builder defined by quality craftsmanship.
