SALT BLOCK - MAINE
Size: 3 acres. Single +/- 2800 livable SF main structure.
Objective: An efficient, low-maintenance residence for 2 with an emphasis on the ability to work from home.
Challenges/Opportunities: Located in rural, coastal Maine on a remote, wooded, sloped site. Unimpeded 180-degree views of the ocean and set back into the trees. Site is sloped with rocky soils so septic locations are limited and any excavation will be costly.
Solution: With the septic field located as far down the slope as possible, the house sits in the top, wooded area of the site with views projecting out over the ocean beyond/below. Being closer to the dirt entry road reduces the area of pavement that will need to be plowed in the winter. Utilizing a 3 dimensional grid of 4' 9x9x9 cubes at allows for ease of construction in a climate where buildable months of the year are limited. Pedestal-style construction allows for the simple base to be balanced on the slope so 1/2 sits into the land and 1/2 will be filled under creating equal cut/fill condition.
What is “different”: Keeping walls on a 4' grid allows for panel construction off site then loaded side-by-side onto a truck and transported to site to be erected. Stacking walls for 3 stories will simplify lateral structural requirements and consistent spans for floors and roof.
Deliverables: Photo-realistic fly-through animation with geo-referenced terrain and placement of important surrounding natural and man-made landmarks. Revit-generated construction drawings. Early design coordination with GC/subs/consultants to ensure accurate pricing and integrated sub-generated shops into the construction set.
