Perched high above the Maine coastline, this home in Biddeford is a study in quiet strength and natural beauty. Set on a granite knob 30 feet above a lily pond, it captures expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean while embracing its rugged surroundings.
Designed by Theodore + Theodore Architects, the home replaces a structure that the owners had lived in for the past 25 years. After decades in the same place, they wanted a fresh start: a low-impact home that treads lightly on the land and produces its own power. The new house fulfills that vision with a 7kW solar array and a design that makes the most of its solar orientation.
Clad in white cedar boards and zinc panels, the exterior is designed to evolve over time. As the materials weather to a soft silver gray, the home will blend seamlessly with its backdrop of granite ledges, native shrubs, and trees. Beyond its materials, the form itself is thoughtful.
Three cubic volumes, organized across a series of split levels, allow the house to nestle into the rock while opening up to a series of terraces and outlooks. Cantilevered sunscreens stretch from the facade, adding both function and a sculptural, branch-like quality.
Inside, the living room, dining area, and kitchen share one fluid space. Expansive windows frame views of the lily pond and ocean, with natural light shifting across the interiors throughout the day. The restrained palette of exposed concrete floors, unpainted plaster walls, wood, and blackened steel creates a contemplative atmosphere that feels both grounded and serene.
The kitchen brings a lively contrast to the home’s calm interiors. Bright yellow bar stools energize the island, while sky-blue cabinetry adds both storage and a cheerful focal point. Clean white cabinets and counters keep the look fresh, and a window frames views of the trees outside.
Wood and steel stairs connect the home’s various levels, reinforcing the balance between lightness and strength that defines the design.
Even private spaces are connected to the landscape. In the bathroom, a window within the shower frames the trees outside, turning daily routines into moments of calm immersion in nature.
This Biddeford home is more than a modern coastal retreat. It shows how architecture can stay true to its surroundings while embracing the future.