House Call: A Minimalist Maine Cabin, Transformed

Photography by Sandy Agrafiotis via Bruce Norelius Studio Architect: Bruce Norelius

When a design-minded couple happened across a piece of prime property in Down East, Maine, they approached architect Bruce Norelius with a compelling set of parameters: A rocky site, a conservative budget, and a request for truly contemporary style. Come with us on a tour.

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Pine stairs lined with Tolomeo lights lead to the living room level. Note the slight gap on either side of the steps: the floating design is Norelius’s nod to John Pawson.

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The dining area overlooks a camouflaged simple kitchen.

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Andersen Awning Windows were used throughout. Visible here, a corner of one of the two kitchen islands, both of which have areas for food prep and seating.

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The base shelves double as bench seating. The closet at the back of the room houses the couple’s giant record collection.

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The living room has sweeping views of the treetops and Mount Desert Island.

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The floating effect continues downstairs, where there are two identical bedrooms, each with a centered custom bed frame of painted MDF detailed with a combination headboard and desk.

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The bedrooms are divided by a bare-bones bathroom with a custom vanity.

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The house sits on a rising amid granite outcroppings and forest.

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