Kaplan Thompson Architects

Curious about who might work on your project? Get to know the professionals at Kaplan Thompson Architects.

Photos by Winky Lewis.

Construction is nearly complete on the third cabin of our Pitches Among Pines project.

This two-story building introduces pine- and mahogany-clad gathering spaces on the lower level with a full kitchen, breakfast bar, powder room, and laundry. An expansive screened porch will keep bugs and rain at bay and accommodate the entire family for outdoor dining. A second story bunkhouse, sleeping eight, recalls a treehouse with branched rafters and integrated climbing elements. A lofted play area suspends a cargo net hangout space overhead. Exiting from either the second or third levels is nearly instant using a fire pole that deposits you directly outdoors!

🛠️:
🌱:

Now thats what we call a gut renovation!

Built in 1900, this South Portland home has weathered more than a century of Maine winters and coastal storms… looking at the dryness and condition of its wood framing, you would never guess! During demolition, the crew from found evidence of old remodels and repairs, as well the occasional patch of fiberglass insulation.

Our team reimagined the building inside and out with a deep energy retrofit, full interior renovation, and a significant addition. The original garage was demolished and rebuilt closer to the house, connected via a mudroom and new entry sequence with an elevator. Above it, a primary suite occupies the second story while a covered roof deck rounds out the third.

The walls of the completed structure will be insulated with with dense-packed cellulose and outfit with triple-glazed Marvin windows. Heating and cooling will be provided by air source heat pumps and with energy recovery ventilation. The all-electric home will require 80% less energy to operate than the baseline EUI for a single-family home - and a far greater reduction from its previous Energy Use Intensity as a largely uninsulated building. A solar array maximizing the available rooftop area will offset the majority of the occupants’ electric consumption.