Port Watch House near Kennebunkport, Maine

Port Watch House, Kennebunkport architecture, ME home images, Northeast American property design

Port Watch House near Kennebunkport

Summer Residence Development in Maine design by KW Architects, USA

Apr 26, 2017

Design: KW Architects

Location: Kennebunkport, Maine, USA

Port Watch House – Maine Summer Residence

Port Watch House

Photos by Chibi Moku

Port Watch House, Kennebunkport, Maine

Within a stone’s throw from the historic and quaint Kennebunkport, nestled along the Kennebunk River, is a quiet neighborhood which is close enough to walk to the highly desirable downtown but yet hidden away from the copious amounts of tourists.

Port Watch House

This little gem of a location is across the way from the St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery on a tidal off shoot to the river. 
Port Watch House

From their “summer house” on their boat, Heather and  Greg Burke could see the secluded lot where dilapidated, shingle style  cottage sat.

Port Watch House

When the cottage went up for sale, the Burke’s decided to go for it. However, the old Cape had significant  issues such as tidal water flowing regularly in and out of the crawlspace foundation.

Port Watch House

The original house was custom designed for an artist and had 6’‐7″ ceiling heights and questionable structural issues. Half way into the demolition to  renovate  the existing structure, the Burke’s decided to halt the work.       

Port Watch House

With the renovations off the table, the Burkes decided to start from scratch and upon recommendation from Jake Gott of Timber  Island Builders, they hired architect Kristi Kenney from KW Architects in Wells. Kenney had to be creative with the design and  layout by orienting the new house towards to the river, capturing views from all the rooms in the house and also keeping  a close eye on the size and scale of the structure.

Port Watch House

Regulations require that the new house be no larger than 30% of the volume of the existing Cape and have a footprint of no larger than what was existing. In addition, the Architect wanted to respect the charming scale of the existing neighborhood.

Port Watch House

Her solution was to pivot the house a few degrees towards the water. To reduce some of the volume of the house, the architect clipped off the corner of the rectangular footprint creating a dramatic intersection of gables both inside and outside.

Port Watch House

The angled wall has a sliding glass door off that leads out to  a terraced patio and gas fireplace with  generous views of the river and Kennebunkport ‐ hence the home’s name ‐ Port Watch.     

Port Watch House

The exterior facades have very different and deliberate scales. The rear of the house has plenty of glass ensuring that  ever room has a view to the harbor and the river.

Port Watch House

The front of the house is fairly close to the street and privacy was a concern so the elevation has only a few small strategically placed windows. Even with the small amount of windows the trim 
details and covered porch bring the scale down.

Port Watch House

A shingled archway  terminates the end of a sweeping line that starts from the peak of the roof and swings  down to the arch balancing the left and right elevation. “We get so many compliments on how well the house fits into the environment from our neighbors and everyone who goes up and down the river”. 

Port Watch House

Photography: Chibi Moku

Port Watch House near Kennebunkport images / information received 260417 from KW Architects, USA

Location: by the Kennebunk River, Kennebunkport, Maine, United States of America

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