Kennebunk River Architects

01/05/2024

11/06/2023

The project has been designed in two main phases. Our initial task was to design a multi functional private art gallery. This facility supports our clients on going art collection, display of pieces, research, distribution, entertaining, and support activities. There are four interconnected art galleries that are used to display paintings and sculpture. A welcoming Common Room
greets guests and is anchored by a large stone fire place. This space has access to an outdoor terrace and has beautiful views of the bay beyond. Adjacent kitchen space is used for catered events. A gallery concourse leads to support spaces including offices, storage, bathrooms, and work shop. A large research library is the working core of the facility. It includes custom built storage cases and cabinetry. This space has direct access to the galleries, workshop, offices and the distribution loading dock. Aesthetically the building is designed in the contemporary shingle style vernacular.

The second phase of the project is adding our client's private residence as an addition to the art gallery. The residence is organized on two floors. The upper level connects directly to the Common Room of the gallery. From the Common Room a small connector leads into a new library space. This space is multi functional and can be used to display art as well. Rising four steps out of this new space leads to two large guest suites. These include a sitting area, sizable walk in closets and bath. The Master Suite anchors the end of the addition on the upper level. The Master has views of the bay in multiple directions and includes a separate kitchen, laundry, two large walk in closets and panic space. The Master Bath has similar exterior views and contains a soaking tub and large tile shower. A glass elevator wrapped by a custom built metal stair leads to the entry hall on the main lower level. The lower level contains the main entrance, Great Room, Kitchen, Media Room, along with support spaces. An exercise room anchors the back of the three car garage and a sizable screen porch leads to an extensive outdoor stone terrace. The Great Room and Kitchen are the core of the main level and has multi directional views of the water beyond. The outdoors are brought in thru large windows positioned to maximize the view.

Approximate size of Gallery: 7,600 Square Feet
Approximate size of Residence: 6,875 Square Feet
Builder: Maguire Construction
Project Completion: Gallery spring of 2018 and Residence spring of 2022
Photography: Rob Freedman

10/31/2023

We were tasked with designing this renovation and addition to include all new exterior siding, windows, trim and details.
The existing house was added onto over time resulting in several additions that visually looked chaotic with rambling roof lines that didn't make sense. On top of that the existing structure was poorly built which necessitated removing and rebuilding the center portion of the house. One of our main goals was to redesign the center portion to create a new entry, stair tower, improve second floor spaces above and aesthetically establish a new roof line that made sense. We accomplished this by developing this portion to be a strong visual focal point. We divided this area into three elements. Anchoring one side is a full two story structure crowned by a gable facing the drive court. On the other side is the stair tower with a hipped roof. Between these two elements is the covered entry porch with a low pitched roof that intersects with a series of windows that feels like a bridge. In essence it is a bridge that ties the other two elements together.

Upon entering the property and approaching the house there is now no doubt where the focus is. The new entry and stair tower is readily apparent and draws guests towards it. Most importantly these centering elements establish the correct hierarchy that was lacking previously with the existing house. All other roof lines remained as they were. Internally an existing center chimney was removed enabling guests to see clear thru the house to the beautiful view of the bay beyond upon arrival.
A new expanded kitchen is created which also is focused on the water view. The existing second floor of the center portion were mostly comprised of low angled ceilings which made those areas and spaces feel tight and constricted. We opened those areas up to be full two story which enables them to feel more comfortable to be in and improves their functionality. These spaces include an exercise area, two bed rooms, full bath, and Laundry. The house also has a large study which sits over the garage as well as a first floor master and two other second floor bedrooms contained in another wing.
Where the original house didn't really have a defined exterior style our renovation and redesign is a more contemporary version of shingle style.

Builder: Maguire Construction
Approximate size: 6,800 Sq.Ft.
Completion: Anticipated to be winter 2020
Progress Photos: Rob Freedman

11/29/2022

This modern farmhouse style residence replaces an existing house that is aesthetically unpleasing and not well constructed. The design of the new house resolves several inefficiencies of the existing structure. The focal point of the new design revolves around a sizable Great Room which flows seamlessly with the gourmet Kitchen. The Kitchen includes a 14 foot long island with seating at one end to accommodate six people. It anchors one end of the space and has six double hung windows which opens up views to the swimming pool and drive court. In addition the Kitchen is supported by a large Pantry, Powder Room, dog washing station, and full Laundry. There is direct access to the screen porch which then leads to the swimming pool. The flow from Kitchen, to support spaces and screen porch was very important. Also accessed from the Great Room is a large Dining Room which will support 12 people. Completing the first floor is a spacious Entry Hall which is accessed from the front porch as well as the rear deck. The rear deck is partially covered and features an exterior fireplace in the open area. Lastly the first floor contains an en-suite Bed Room with full Bath and Mud Room off the garage.

The second floor contains a generous Master Suite complete with an exterior deck, large walk-in closet, sizable Bath Room
as well as a separate study with it's own fire place. Our clients desired to be able to access their private deck and enjoy views of the swimming pool below. Also on the second floor is a Bunk Room which sleeps 4 and has it's own Bathroom and room for a sitting area to watch T.V.. Completing the second floor is another en-suite Bed Room and shared exterior deck.
Aesthetically the house is designed in the modern farm house vernacular with large 2/2 double hung windows, clapboard siding, and accent areas containing board & batten. Standing seam metal roofing is also selectively introduced to add color and a different texture. The exterior color palette will be white painted siding and trim with black window sash and frames. The foundation base will be cladded with 2" veneer stone to ground the house with the site.

Approximate size: 4,700 Square Feet
Builder: Spang Builders
Project Completion: To be determined