Copper Farmhouse

The house is organized as two units, each with a single bedroom, one on the main level and one above. Today, the upper level serves as a summer apartment for the homeowner’s parents, giving them a place of their own while staying closely connected. The layout can easily be adapted into a single-family home by removing the second kitchen and living space and creating a three-bedroom plan.

Daily life centers around the south-facing terrace and gardens. Designed for a landscape architect, the outdoor spaces are as intentional as the interior, with planted areas, vegetable beds, and places to gather that evolve with the seasons. The homeowner’s parents, who previously owned a nursery, remain deeply engaged with the land, tending gardens and maintaining a connection to the work they’ve done for decades.

Inside, the plan is compact and efficient, with carefully framed views outward. Full-height fixed glazing in the living area draws the eye directly to the terrace, reinforcing the connection between indoors and out. A bluestone hearth extends along the windows at the woodstove, grounding the space and subtly linking interior materials to the landscape beyond.

A separate office above the garage provides a quiet place to work, with vaulted ceilings and timber details that give the space a sense of openness and character, distinct from the main house but still connected to it.

The home is oriented with a more private north-facing entry, opening to sun-filled living spaces on the south side and a quieter backyard beyond. Exterior colors and materials were selected to blend into the natural Maine setting, allowing the house to sit comfortably within its surroundings.

Performance was a core priority. The enclosure uses a double-stud wall assembly for high levels of insulation and airtightness. Heating and cooling are provided by heat pumps, with balanced ventilation through an ERV to maintain healthy indoor air. Twenty-four solar panels on the garage support the home’s energy use, contributing to a low-impact, durable design.

The result is a home that adapts over time, supporting family, landscape, and daily life with equal care. It is a place where independence and connection can coexist, shaped as much by the people who live there as the land around it.