The homeowners, educators at a local high school and active outdoors people, knew they wanted to live in Rockport for its accessibility to several activities that are important to them: hiking and sailing in the summer, skiing in the winter. But finding exactly the right property kept them searching until, finally, a large, wooded tract with a stream abutting a nature reserve came on the market.

The home’s design embraces the family’s love of wildlife and the natural world, as well as their busy lives with two active teenagers. The first-floor open plan (which includes the owners’ suite) features large windows, a screened porch accessed from the dining room’s French doors, and a deck and covered porch, all of which ensure that there are always outdoor views. On the second floor, each of the children has a spacious bedroom connected by a bridge that overlooks the dining room. In addition, there is a bonus room over the garage, as well as a full basement that provides plenty of storage for sports equipment and other
gear.

The building envelope is well insulated, with heating and cooling provided by a woodstove and air-source heat pumps.

Location: Rockport
Architect: Gerald Weinand
Structural Engineer: Randy Scamfer
Construction start: June 2017
Construction complete: December 2017