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New Harbor Cottage
This shingle-style house demonstrates a careful negotiation between architecture and topography, using the sloped site to generate a layered spatial experience. Rather than imposing a flat datum, the building steps down with the terrain, creating a strong sectional relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The upper level engages the landscape with a deep, continuous wrap around porch that acts as a horizontal datum line, while the lower level is partially embedded into the slope, forming a sheltered terrace. This terracing strategy not only minimizes the visual mass of the house but also anchors it physically and visually to the site, allowing the structure to feel integrated. A driving design factor was to create a gas fire table sitting/gathering area set into the granite site and walk out terraced basement to enjoy water views to the island and bold ocean views.
The material continuity of wood shingles wrapping both walls and roof reinforces the sculptural quality typical of the shingle style, while also softening transitions between volumes. The composition is asymmetrical yet balanced, with multiple gabled forms cascading across the hillside. Large window groupings on the upper level capture expansive views and natural light, while the lower terrace creates a more intimate outdoor room defined by stone retaining walls and informal seating. The use of natural stone at the base strengthens the sense of the building emerging from ledge site, grounding the lighter shingled volumes above. Together, these elements create a dynamic interplay between solidity and openness, enclosure and exposure, responding sensitively to both climate and terrain.
- PROJECT ARCHITECT: Phelps Architects
- Location: New Harbor, ME