Ormiston Residence
Mid Coast Maine

The clients’ charge was to maximize ocean views and maintain privacy from both neighbors and house guests in a compact second home. The design challenge was to achieve this on a small lot across the road from the beach and hemmed in on three sides by other houses.

Stair and hall, pulled to the back of the house, provide a visual buffer from the rear abutter, create a two level light well (which doubles as a library), and open the entire frontage to the shore. First floor living spaces—both indoor and outdoor—focus on a view corridor sliced between mature trees and the abutter across the street to sunset views. The three gabled second floor spaces—home office, master bath and master bedroom—offer the owners sweeping vistas and a peaceful retreat.