The recent fall issue of Maine Homes by Downeast featured the modern barn house, Otter Way. The owners loved the location of a lot, but covenants mandated "traditional" style architecture. DMA countered with a soaring barn-inspired, simple aesthetic that passed the "tradition" test, but satisfied the owner's desire for a contemporary, and personal, approach to the architecture and design features.

The vertical-grain Cambia further emphasizes the rustic barn feature from the exterior, while the large, south-facing windows bring in abundant daylight to the interior and help to highlight the floating, cantilevered staircase in the living room.

Other unique features include a bar, connected to the future brewery in the basement, hidden behind barn doors and a comfortable seating and socialize area directly off the kitchen.

Interior design by Jeanne Handy Designs. Construction by Corey Rattleff. Photography by Richard Mitchell.

DMA attended their third Freeport Design Review Board meeting and received their third approval for the addition to the Linda Bean restaurant. Over the last 1 1/2 years, the restaurant industry has changed, DMA was able to pivot and squeeze as much as possible out of this infill project with a exterior rooftop seating under a glazed roof and raw bar with gas fireplaces and hidden bi-fold doors. Work to begin soon by Zachau Construction.

Progress continues at the Maine Branch where exterior finishes are taking shape. Photography is tough because this 700 sf cottage is nestled in the trees just a short distance from the Back River. The pergola is nicely integrated into the trim-work, and has a great view from the large, triple-glazed lift and slide doors. Construction by Chartier Building and Remodeling.

Ground is being broken along the Kennebec River in Bath for a new complex of structures that will include a small main home, guest suite, and garage, all connected by a bridge to help maneuver the grade change. The energy model shows a 65% energy improvement over a standard home because of its insulation package and triple-glazed windows. Construction by Chartier Building and Remodeling.

DMA recently presented some very preliminary concepts for a modern home in Falmouth that takes advantage of expansive views of fields and water, as well as solar orientation to create power on site. There is still much work to do, but we are looking forward to continuing a dialogue with the clients.

As a realist painter, Sarah S. Harvey paints with watercolor and casein tempera to make artist books that honor the natural environment. By capturing the beauty of the natural world, it not only brings joy to the artist, it hopefully inspires the viewer to appreciate and preserve her surroundings. More of her work can be found at Centre Street Arts Gallery, 11 Centre Street in Bath.