Square Pond Camp

The owners of Square Pond Camp are deeply connected to this quiet lakefront property in Southern Maine where they have spent nearly 20 summers. Their children have grown, with one settled nearby. More recently, they acquired a nearby historic wild blueberry farm, drawing them here full time. However, their seasonal camp required extensive work to become a four-season home, including a new foundation, windows, insulation, and a better connection to the lake. They approached us with a desire to create a joyful, energy-efficient forever home that captures their spirit and celebrates the natural beauty of the lake surrounded by towering native pines.

Nestled on a compact lot this home works within the scale of the historically modest seasonal camps that dot the lakefront while overcoming unique design challenges. The 50’ x 200’ site slopes east to west, offering sunset views over the lake. Rigorous attention to detail was required to meet strict setbacks, accommodate a new code compliant septic system, and adhere to height restrictions that ruled out a full two-story structure. Working within a compact footprint of just 30’ wide by 75’ long and 25’ high, we crafted a design that maximizes the lakeside experience and honors this special location. The result is an unassuming profile that conceals a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home with a garage, laundry room, two living rooms, covered decks, and breathtaking views.

Our strategy balances privacy with access to daylight and nature. The generous sheltering roof features a continuous pine board ceiling that extends east to cover the entrance, and west to shade the lakefront deck and shield against winter gales. Clerestory windows to the north, east, and south lift and separate the roof from the base of the structure- allowing southerly light to float over the kitchen cabinetry, and east-west light to flow between the sheltered entrance hall and the reflective lake beyond. The entire west elevation is glazed - framing and focusing picturesque lake views within the living room, primary bedroom, and lower level lounge.

The owners embraced the opportunity to collaborate with us and create a carefully crafted, site-specific home that is unique and meaningful for their family. They chose a smooth, bright, spring green entrance door that resonates with the surrounding fiddleheads, ferns, and gardens. It contrasts sharply against the textured, black, thermally treated hemlock cladding that echoes the surrounding forests. Interior light fixtures and cabinetry were inspired by nature and the owners’ love of clean lines mixed with a glint of mid-century glamor. Downstairs, their cocktail bar/lounge features an antique mirrored tile backsplash fitted with wooden shelves salvaged from the original camp’s mantel. Upstairs, the metal hearth for their woodstove was handcrafted by their son.

Close coordination with Landscape Architect Soren Deniord facilitated a seamless connection to the lake at every level. At the top of the site, the double-height entrance hall serves as the fulcrum, leading up two steps to the open-plan kitchen/ dining /living room featuring uninterrupted lake views. A small vestibule off the dining area provides a privacy threshold into the primary suite, which also overlooks the water. Stepping down from the entrance hall, the monolithic oak stair features vertical oak fins that erode away the wall to reveal the lower-level ounge, with a fully glazed sliding door to the lakeside patio. Outside, the upper-level deck was situated above the original camp’s porch, positioning the lake view in the foreground of the main living areas, tracing the contour of the shoreline. Carefully calculated landscape levels were graded to connect the upper level deck to the dock down a gently cascading path through the garden.

The project faced challenges resulting from the global pandemic, including supply shortages and fluctuating costs, which highlighted the need for efficiency and resilience. The owners remained committed to high quality, energy efficient materials including high performance windows, robust exterior insulation, a vented metal roof, and heat pump HVAC systems. The result is a high quality, energy-efficient home that reflects the family’s character and will last for generations.

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Photography:
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Trent Bell Photography

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Collaborators:

Contractor: Bowley Builders

Structural Engineer: Albert Putnam Associates

Landscape Architect: Soren Deniord Design Studio

Landscape Installation: Terrapin Landscapes

Interior Designer: Client + Whitten Architects

Millwork: Metropolitan Cabinets

Lighting Design: Charron Reflex

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