A Lakeside Retreat

THE DRAWING BOARD-April 2009

A return to a more native Maine landscape

Whitten Architects and Richardson & Associates Landscape Architects are collaborating on the design of a family retreat in the western lakes region of Maine. The project will involve the return of the property’s waterfront to a more native Maine landscape and will include a timber framed screen house. Positioned to take advantage of proximity to the lake’s shoreline, the screen house will include a full service kitchen complete with a grandmother’s walk-up refreshment stand overlooking an adjacent picnic terrace. On buggy nights, the family will be able to enjoy sunsets and dinner by the lake from the protection of the screened-in sitting porch and dining room. Marshmallow roasts and starry nights can be enjoyed from the stone-paved campfire pit and seating area. A small privy and outdoor shower will serve the swimming area to the south. In order to ensure a people-friendly environment with a direct link to surrounding nature, car traffic and parking will be kept at a 200-foot distance from the structure. This outdoor-oriented haven will ultimately provide for lifelong memories of summers by the lake for the entire family.

Screenhouse-Sketch_w