This story-and-a-half cottage illustrates a common design problem for properties with north-facing views: how to bring sunlight into the principal living spaces? In this case, the living area and bedrooms are strung along the north side of the house to capture views of Stonington’s Crockett Cove filtered through a lovely stand of spruce, while the support spaces face south. The solution uses the stairwell as a light scoop that allows the winter sun to penetrate deep into the center of the house. The stairwell also creates a chimney effect for natural cooling in the summer by drawing breezes across the ground floor and venting them through high windows.