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.
A modern, dark-colored, rectangular house set in a wooded area with large windows and a covered porch.
A modern, dark-colored house with large windows is set against a backdrop of tall trees. The house features a flat roof and a rectangular design with multiple levels. The large windows reveal warmly lit interiors, providing a contrast to the dark exterior. The surrounding area is grassy with scattered trees, creating a serene, natural environment.
A modern, dark-colored house with large windows is nestled in a wooded area. The structure features rectangular forms with illuminated interiors visible through the windows. The surrounding area includes trees with autumn foliage and a grassy lawn.
A modern house with dark exterior cladding and large windows, situated in a wooded area. The interior is visible through the windows, showing a dining area with chairs and a hanging light fixture.
A modern house with dark exterior cladding and a large window revealing a family dining inside, set against a backdrop of tall trees.
A modern home with dark wood siding and large windows, surrounded by trees.
A modern house with dark wood siding and large windows, set in a wooded area. The house features a rectangular form with a visible interior space through a large window, showing a dining area. The surrounding area includes grass and trees.
A modern house with dark wood siding and large windows, set in a wooded area. The structure features a covered porch with a lighted entrance and a few pumpkins on the ground. The house has a rectangular form with a flat roof and a combination of small and large windows.
A modern outdoor dining area with a white table and chairs, set against a dark wood exterior wall. The ceiling is clad in light wood, and a ceiling fan is installed. A person is visible walking inside through a doorway.
A modern house with dark wood siding and a covered porch, surrounded by trees. A person is walking on the porch, and there are potted plants and pumpkins near the entrance.
A modern interior hallway with light wood flooring, white walls, and a wooden slatted partition. A bench with storage and a window offering a view of the outdoors are visible.
A modern living room with a large beige sectional sofa, a blue rug, and a round ottoman. The room features a wood-burning stove in the corner, a large window with a view of the outdoors, and various artworks on the walls.
A modern dining room with a wooden table and chairs, a large window with a view of trees, a white pendant light, and potted plants.
A modern kitchen and dining area with a wooden dining table, pink chairs, and a white kitchen island. A person is walking in the background. Large windows provide natural light.
A modern bedroom with a large bed, white bedding, and wooden side tables with wicker lamps. The room features a white wardrobe, a wooden desk with a chair, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.
A cozy interior space featuring a wooden chair at a desk, with a window above and a cat resting in a bed on the floor. Sunlight streams through a glass door, illuminating the light wood flooring and minimalist decor.
A children's room with two windows, featuring a small bed, a plush chair shaped like a bear, a play kitchen set, and a small table with chairs. The room is decorated with colorful wall art and toys, including a stuffed giraffe.
A modern bathroom with a double sink vanity, large horizontal windows, and a towel hanging on the wall.
A wooden staircase with light wood treads and a matching handrail, leading up to a large window with a view of trees.
A staircase with wooden slats on the side, featuring light wood steps and white risers.
A modern interior space featuring a stationary bike positioned in front of a large window overlooking a wooded area. The room includes a bookshelf filled with books, a potted plant, a chair, and a floor lamp. The flooring is light wood, and the walls are painted white.

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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