Modern dark-colored house with large windows in a wooded setting.

A modern home with dark rectangular forms and large windows, set in a wooded area.

Aerial view of a modern L-shaped house surrounded by dense forest.
Modern dark-colored house with large windows and a covered porch in a wooded setting.
Modern dark-colored house with large windows in a wooded area, featuring a flat roof and rectangular design.
Modern dark house with large windows in a wooded area, showing illuminated interiors.
Modern house with dark exterior and large windows in a wooded setting.
Modern house with dark exterior and large window showing a family dining inside, surrounded by trees.
Exterior view of a modern home with dark wood siding and large windows, set in a wooded area.
Modern house with dark wood exterior and large windows in a wooded setting.
Modern dark wood house with large windows and a covered porch in a wooded setting.
Outdoor dining area with white furniture and dark wood walls, featuring a ceiling fan and a person walking inside.
Modern house with dark wood siding and a covered porch, person walking, surrounded by trees.
Interior hallway with light wood flooring, white walls, wooden slatted partition, bench with storage, and a window view.
Modern living room with beige sectional sofa, blue rug, wood-burning stove, large window, and wall art.
Modern dining room featuring a wooden table and chairs, large window with forest view, white pendant light, and potted plants.
Modern kitchen and dining area with wooden table, pink chairs, and white kitchen island.
Modern bedroom with large bed, white wardrobe, wooden desk, and large window with outdoor view.
Interior view of a room with a wooden chair at a desk, a window, and a cat in a bed on the floor.
Children's room with windows, a small bed, plush bear chair, play kitchen, table, and colorful decorations.
Modern bathroom with double sink vanity and large windows.
Wooden staircase with light wood treads and handrail, leading to a window with a view of trees.
Staircase with wooden slats and light wood steps with white risers.
Interior room with a stationary bike, large window, bookshelf, potted plant, chair, and floor lamp.

Story

Where dark exteriors meet luminous interiors Nestled within a wooded landscape in Maine, Elemental modern residential architecture. Designed by OPAL Architecture, this home for a family of four is a sculptural composition of dark rectangular forms punctuated by large, light-admitting openings. As night falls, these openings transform the house into a glowing lantern amidst the trees. The design is highly practical. A slab-on-grade foundation and modest structural spans ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The all-electric home adheres to Passive House principles, featuring airtight construction, high insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and triple-glazed windows and doors. The exterior is clad in shou sugi ban charred wood siding, offering a textured finish that shifts with the changing light. The L-shaped layout cleverly separates vehicular areas from private outdoor spaces, creating sheltered zones. The entry sequence, marked by a generous covered porch, provides a seamless transition between the outdoors and the bright, locally sourced white ash interiors. Inside, the home is a study in contrast. The dark exterior gives way to airy, light-filled spaces. Large windows frame the surrounding landscape, bringing dynamic light patterns indoors. The living room, kitchen, and dining areas form a natural gathering hub, while a screened porch extends the living space outdoors. The primary bedroom and children's rooms maintain a calm, uncluttered aesthetic, with large windows connecting them to the landscape. A built-in desk in the primary bedroom exemplifies the home's adaptability, supporting work-from-home needs. Upstairs, flexible spaces accommodate a gym, playroom, or office, adapting to the family's evolving needs.

Design Highlights

Dark shou sugi ban charred wood siding Passive House principles with airtight construction L-shaped layout for functional separation Large floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light Adaptable interior spaces

Key Facts

Feature Detail
Location Maine, USA
Architect OPAL Architecture
Structural Engineer Thornton Tomasetti
Contractor StoneWood Builders
Siding Nakamoto Forestry

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: Dark shou sugi ban charred wood siding that appears matte black or reveals wood grain under different lighting conditions.
  • Interior: Locally sourced white ash accents creating a softer and warmer environment.

Materials

  • Wood — Exterior siding and interior accents
  • Glass — Windows and doors

Construction / Systems

  • Foundation: Slab-on-grade foundation
  • Energy Efficiency: Passive House approach with airtight construction, high insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and triple-glazed windows.

Products

  • Siding — Shou Sugi Ban — by Nakamoto Forestry (Exterior cladding)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Dark exterior with matte black and wood grain variations, Bright interior with white ash accents
  • Lighting: Natural light through large windows creating bright interiors

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