Branch Lake House

• Net Zero
• Barrier-Free

Accessibility and sustainability drive the design of this net-zero modern lakeside retreat.

Our clients came to us with a wonderful lake-side site in Ellsworth. They had a vision for a home that captured the spirit of Maine lake life that was also fully wheelchair accessible. Like many of our clients, they were also passionate about, high-performance, energy efficiency, and durability. With a north-facing site and ideas of porches, decks, and paths to the waterfront, they knew it would be a challenge.

Before the house was placed, the best path for accessibility to the water was established. This led to a design response that made room for a gently sloping ramp that connects the lake path to a gracious deck and screen porch. This nexus became the circulation about which the home’s spaces were organized. The other powerful organizing forces were the view to the water toward the north, and the solar exposure to the south. To take advantage of these, expansive triple pane European-style windows and patio doors were selected to ensure indoor comfort and energy efficiency while providing access and view.  Along the south, a covered walkway and large overhangs shade the generous southern windows while providing an architecturally expressive entrance and a sheltered accessible path around the building.

The home also features an efficient ground source heat pump (geothermal) system that provides gentle hydronic heating and cooling that is largely silent and invisible on the main level with discrete panel radiators on the second floor. An energy recovery ventilator provides a gentle constant flow of fresh air while retaining up to 90% of the indoor air temperature.