A Home For Living Well, Longer.
The Home’s Story
Set on a former family farm, this project began with a desire to stay rooted in place while adapting to life’s changes. The homeowners had long lived in the original farmhouse, but as the husband began experiencing dementia, the need for a more accessible, comfortable home became clear. Building new on the same property allowed them to remain connected to the land while creating a space that supports aging in place with dignity and ease.
The plan is organized for primarily one-story living, with an attached garage supporting daily routines and easy access year-round. Circulation is simple and intuitive, minimizing thresholds and tripping hazards, while an accessible bedroom and bath allow the home to function fully without reliance on stairs. A separate workshop, where he continues to spend time tinkering and sharing his work, remains an important part of daily life just beyond the house.
Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom provide space for family to gather, allowing grandchildren to stay and the home to flex with changing needs over time. The result is a plan that balances independence and connection, with each space doing its job without excess.
Orientation and light were key drivers. The home is positioned to capture southern light and long views across the pasture to the barn, grounding daily life in the landscape that has shaped the family for generations. Windows are carefully placed to balance daylight, comfort, and energy performance, creating spaces that feel bright without glare and warm without overheating.
Material choices carry both meaning and durability. Flooring was milled from wood harvested on the property years earlier by the homeowner himself, bringing a deeply personal layer of history into the new home. The exterior draws from the language of a Maine cape, with shingle siding and timber accents that feel familiar and rooted, while remaining simple and long-lasting.
The enclosure is high-performance and built for comfort. Double-stud walls create a well-insulated, airtight shell that eliminates drafts and significantly reduces heating demand. Heating and cooling are provided by heat pumps, offering steady, efficient comfort throughout the seasons without the need for large amounts of firewood.
The result is a home that supports daily life with quiet clarity, comfortable, durable, and deeply connected to both people and place. When the home was photographed after completion, the homeowner shared her only regret: that they had not done it sooner, so he could have enjoyed it longer.
Builder: Benjamin + Co. (Ben Hemberger) Benjamin-coBenjamin & Company | Timber Frames and Custom Homes | Brunswick, Maine
Photographer: Michael D. Wilson MichaelwilsonphotoMaine Commercial and Editorial Photographer - Michael Wilson
Structural engineer: Trillium Engineering Group trilliumengineeringgroup.com Location: Maine
Completed: 2022
