Press
Conversations About Better Homes
Mottram & Maines regularly contributes to conversations about residential design, building science, and better building practices. Through podcasts, articles, interviews, and industry discussions, Emily Mottram and Michael Maines share practical insights about designing homes that are comfortable, durable, energy efficient, and tuned to climate. Their work often focuses on how design and building science work together—covering topics
like indoor air quality, ventilation, durable assemblies, and the decisions that shape high-performance homes. Below are selected interviews, articles, podcasts, and media appearances featuring the Mottram & Maines team.
Featured
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Emily explains what building science really means, why true sustainability is about more than rating systems, and how character and efficiency work together. View Here.
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A deep look at how Mottram Architecture and Live Solar Maine used factory-built panels to build a high-performance, net-positive home in Lovell. View Here.
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An "Eco Living" feature on Maine's emerging net-zero subdivisions, including Solar Way — Emily and Patrice's eco-friendly community in Cumberland. View Here.
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A high-performance home showcase featuring one of Mottram Architecture's net-zero-ready Cumberland homes — vintage character paired with modern efficiency. View Here.
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A "Houses by Design" feature on a 2,000-square-foot net-zero home in Cumberland — part of Solar Way and a prototype for net-zero neighborhood development. View Here.
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A feature on the trio behind Solar Way and the salvaged-material, eco-conscious homes they've built together in Cumberland. View Here.
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Mottram Architecture is featured in MH+D's annual roundup of Maine architecture firms shaping high-quality, lasting homes. https://mainehomedesign.com/features/built-to-last-2023-architecture-listing/
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A profile of Nesting Ground — the all-women collaborative of Emily Mottram, Patrice Cappelletti, and Kerry Lewis — and the Solar Way community in Cumberland. View Here
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Michael was the first to publish details for an above-grade, concrete-free slab, now a common approach among high-performance builders.
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Earlier in his career, Michael focused on historically informed homes, discerning rules for designing attractive shed dormers that he shares here.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/roofing/making-shed-dormers-work
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Michael brought the Pretty Good House concept to the public with this blog post and has written several more since then.
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/the-pretty-good-house
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Farmhouse style is a waning fad but the roots are timeless; Michael breaks down what makes a real, modern farmhouse appealing. The article became the introduction for the book, Farmhouse: Reimagining the Classic American Icon by Taunton Press, and one of Michael's home designs is featured. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2024/07/07/the-beloved-farmhouse
https://us.amazon.com/Farmhouse-Reimagining-Classic-American-Icon/dp/164155164X
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Michael describes what house "breathing" really means and whether it's desirable.
https://greenmainehomes.com/blog/bs101-does-your-house-need-to-breathe
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Michael describes a variety of approaches to foundation systems with reduced carbon emissions and/or lower cost than conventional foundations.
Podcasts and Ongoing Conversations
Mottram & Maines also hosts and participates in ongoing industry conversations about building science and residential design.
Hosted by architect Emily Mottram, E3: Energy & Efficiency with Emily this podcast explores building science, energy-efficient homes, and the people shaping the building industry. Episodes feature architects, builders, consultants, and entrepreneurs discussing how better buildings happen in the real world.
The BS*+Beer Show is a long-running show that brings together professionals across the building industry to talk openly about how buildings actually work—from ventilation and moisture management to enclosure design and climate resilience. The show team also encourages and hosts local BS+Beer discussion groups, with over 40 now active across the US and Canada.
Speaking & Industry Contributions
In addition to design work, Emily and Michael regularly contribute to the building industry through teaching, speaking engagements, and professional collaboration. They share practical knowledge about residential
design, building science, and durable construction practices with both professionals and homeowners.
Press or Media Inquiries?
For interview requests, speaking invitations, or press inquiries, please use the form below to get in touch with us:
