Adra Architecture LLC

Jun 2013

After retirement, Tim's parents decided to replace their small seasonal cottage in Wells, Maine to build their dream home by the ocean. Tim worked within their budget to achieve a high level of design in a contextual yet expressive style. With four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, they now have plenty of room to get the whole family together for holidays and summer weekends. Constrained by zoning requirements to a 1,000 square foot building footprint on a tight 50' x 100' lot, Tim's design maximizes the livable area in the light and airy interior with a spacious open floor plan. The building is oriented on the site to take advantage of morning sunlight and afternoon shade with a porch on the southeast corner of the house. A balcony off of the Master Bedroom offers a breezy reading spot with views to the horizon. Windows are located for excellent natural ventilation. When air-conditioning is desired, five ductless mini-split cooling and heating units provide energy-efficient temperature control year-round. A propane fireplace gives additional warmth and comfort in cooler months with no mess or maintenance. An energy-saving tankless propane water heater produces plenty of hot water whether there are two people or ten people in the house. Low-maintenance exterior finishes allow them to spend less time worrying about the house and more time enjoying the beach.

Wells, ME

Oct 2012

After looking for a new house to accommodate their growing family, the homeowners decided that they still loved the home they owned but just needed more space. Tim's design for their addition honors the character of the existing brick home while creating the space their family needs. Subtle visual cues like centering the existing front door, slightly offsetting the addition, and tying old and new together with a farmer's porch unify the overall appearance, despite the differences in materials and building forms. The addition includes a gracious great room, a convenient mudroom off the back porch, habitable basement space for an office / guest bedroom, and a spectacular master bedroom suite with a lofty cathedral ceiling.

Nashua, NH