The view from the Douglas Fir screen porch, which also connects the main house and garage, is a wonderful feature at Clifden. Interior rough-in is just about complete and we will soon be expecting the drywall installation. The blower door test came in at 0.85 ACH 50. Construction by Oceanside Builders.

Starting July 1, Maine officially upgraded from the 2009 to the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code. Although still behind code versions, there are some important upgrades for our new homes. Of course, this is a minimum code and all of DMA designs exceed the energy code. Now at least the houses not designed by architects will have improved energy efficiency in our state. Graph shows the Northeast leading the nation in energy consumption per household (not something we want to lead).

The Maine Branch Cottage is much easier on the eyes now that the screen porch has been framed. A funny incident earlier in the week - we were concerned that a sliding door had leaked but determined the door had actually been left open in the rain. Blower door test came in at 0.90 ACH 50, beating specification! Construction by Chartier Building and Remodeling.

A new, modern cottage will replace a log cabin along Harpswell Sound. Simple and restrained, a gray and blue palette of stone, metal and wood will contrast the light colored and light-filled interior. Large windows will capture views of the water and a seamless transition between inside and outside will allow a flow of usable spaces throughout the day for reflection or entertaining.

Andrea Galuza is primarily a self-taught artist who enjoys mixing and blending her own colors. She is interested in shape and color and how different forms interact with one another. One of her favorite subjects are flowers because of their beauty, strength and delicate nature, like the poppies of this painting (which just happens to adorn the walls of the DMA Studio). More of her work can be found at Centre Street Arts Gallery, 11 Centre Street in Bath.