Tides Ledge
The land at Tide’s Ledge has been in the homeowner’s family for over 100 years. A critical part of this project meant being in tune with the client’s sentimental connection, as well as taking into account the undeveloped land adjacent to the property. These factors heightened the consideration of the site surroundings and the home’s interaction with the environment. From all visible perspectives, especially from the water’s view, the clients underlined the desire for their home to meld subtlety and have a balanced approach with the untouched coastline.
In the beginning stages, the homeowner communicated transitional in style, though a traditional, classic Maine exterior. It was encouraged the homeowner develop Houzz boards as a design reference. Despite the client communicating classic, traditional, Maine, a very different visual aesthetic throughout the Houzz imagery was a common thread. The design was well underway at this point and a foundation poured. Halting the process to discuss the disconnect between the objective and the inspiration imagery was a pivotal moment in the project, at which point traditional home plans were compared to the client’s attraction for contemporary style. The homeowners were encouraged to run with their dream, and the project was navigated in a very different light. In conjunction with the homeowner, a fresh concept was developed as a solution, despite the challenge of a foundation already in place. With a completely new home design at hand, the client was able to connect with a contemporary style that was warm while fulfilling the land-to-home relationship.
Built on a wooded cliff side, the home is designed with multiple levels to conform to the properties’ elevation changes, defining interior spaces and flow. Various cladding materials on the exterior add texture and visual interest, with a palette of material finishes that connects the house to its natural surroundings.
The master bedroom takes full advantage of the indoor/outdoor relationship. Tree-house style living is evoked in the master bedroom, with expansive glass windows to capture peeks of the coastal bay beyond and to let in dappled light from the trees carefully protected during construction.
A true testament of the collaboration process with the client—the home is fully outfitted with custom pieces in every room: a single stringer stairway with cable rail; a triangular concrete and wood bench/planter in the mudroom that uses form to guide occupants to the three main wings of the home, a centrally located gas fireplace open on all sides and anchored by polished concrete, and multiple custom furniture built-ins characterized by an “L” shape that subtly resonates throughout. These various elements within the home illustrate an apparent mass of structure, yet they are juxtaposed in such a harmonious way that portrays visual lightness and ease.
Tides Ledge is a true testament of an engaged and integrated design process. The home was completed in 2015 and is 7,000 square feet. Additional features include an HRV ventilation system and a rainscreen exterior cladding system.
Photography by Darren Setlow | darrensetlow.com
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