The Horizon House sits on a dramatic property overlooking an inlet in Maine.  It occupies a narrow plot of land squeezed between U.S. Route 1 and the water's edge.  Our design objective was to maximize views of the water, while shielding the interior spaces from the noise and traffic of the adjacent roadway.

The house is stretched into a thin bar to afford all rooms of the house with an water view.  All of the support spaces are packed along the north side of the house, creating a solid buffer between the house and the highway.  This organizational strategy creates two distinct spatial experiences within the house.  Within the linear support bar, spaces are small, dimly lit and intimate.  Running parallel to this bar are the open-plan spaces that face towards the inlet.  Tall ceilings, and an abundance of natural light provide an interesting juxtaposition to the support spaces.  A third type of space is created along the edge of the support bar, which is articulated to form home offices, reading corners, and breakfast nooks.  These spaces are tucked below a low, protective eave, while still enjoying long views to the ocean beyond.