A secluded perch on the site of a former granite quarry in East Blue Hill offers stunning views of the Blue Hill Peninsula. After camping on the property for almost 10 years, and learning the intricacies of its deeply wooded areas and rocky bluffs, the owners were ready to build their home on a quiet spot with a natural view path through trees to the water and islands beyond. They were looking for a house that touched the site respectfully, that was comfortable, durable and produced more energy than it consumed.

A long gravel driveway delivers guests to a dramatic view of the bay ahead and then gently encourages them up a circular path to a garage set behind and uphill from the house. A covered post and beam connector connects the garage to the entry at the north side of the house. The single-story house floats on piers along the ledge-laden outcroppings located sporadically on the site, allowing each room its own unique view of the bay and letting the site’s natural drainage patterns remain. Two distinct bedroom suites are staggered and broken by the primary living space, extruded and rotated to face directly south in order to maximize solar gain and afford dynamic views deep into Blue Hill Bay. This main space expands into a cathedral ceiling with exposed collar ties, surfaces and millwork composed of locally milled fir boards. Deep overhangs on the continuous roof provide an intimate scale for the building and block the high summer sun while allowing the lower winter sun to penetrate deep into each room.