Durham Bird Home

Crested along the Androscoggin River in Durham, Maine sits a delightfully charming home, a testament to thoughtful design and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Crafted with a keen eye for both beauty and functionality, this modern colonial farmhouse seamlessly blends European elegance with rustic charm.

Built in 2022, a first-of-its-kind home, devoted to the homeowner’s avian passion.  Working with acclaimed designer, Scott Simons Architects, M.W. Hoss sourced specifically designed, innovative windows utilizing acid-etched marking, safeguarding birds from collisions—an endeavor requiring meticulous planning and a year-long lead time.

At the heart of this project lies a commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and masterful craftsmanship. Leveraging cutting-edge passivhaus principles, the design prioritizes high-performance windows, optimal house orientation, and an airtight envelope, effectively minimizing thermal inefficiencies.

Overseeing every aspect of the project, M.W. Hoss personally spearheaded critical tasks, from framing and siding to window and door installations, ensuring unparalleled attention to detail at every turn, undertaking key aspects of the construction, including framing, siding, window, and door installations, as well as meticulous interior and exterior trim work.

Inside, the home boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the tongue-and-groove ceilings, creating a sense of openness and tranquility. Built-in casework accents the walls, seamlessly integrating storage solutions into the open-concept living spaces. The kitchen and dining areas flow effortlessly into the inviting living and entertaining space, adorned with sustainable materials that echo the homeowner's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Outside, sleek cabled rail systems add a contemporary touch, while the covered porch offers a serene retreat to bask in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The roof, adorned with standing seam panels and solar arrays atop the garage's shed, not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also underscores the home's sustainable ethos, seamlessly melding with the tranquil surroundings.