This tiny cottage lies on the western shore of a tidal basin in the northern portion of Maine’s “Down East”. Presently existing on the site is a small post-and-beam shack which once served the fishermen at the town pier. It was relocated to this site during the 1960s.

The owners, a Lutheran pastor and a social worker, have found respite from their daily lives by vacationing there in the past, but now find the quarters somewhat cramped due to their expanding family.

The program is to add on to and renovate the building in a phased construction, allowing the owner to provide much of the labor. More family living space, private bedrooms, and an updated kitchen are planned. Also, with respect to future Coastal Zone Regulation, the original structure is to be moved aback from the shore.

The design adheres to traditional New England rural sensibilities, which is quite fitting for the area. Relief from this mundane from has been achieved by the addition of a bit of “gingerbread” at the gables and balcony which overlooks the ocean. The details are abstracted from the Christian symbol of the cross.