High-Performance Lakeside Retrofit

WCG Team

Project Specs

year completed

2025

Gross floor area

5600 sq ft

Beds

6

Baths

5.5

Partners

Kaplan Thompson Architects
Thornton Tomasetti
Soren Deniord Design Studio
Pinnacle Window Solutions  
Houle’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
Lynch Landscaping
Downeast Woodworks
Revision Energy

Originally slated for demolition, this dated Acorn Deck House was reimagined through a comprehensive deep energy retrofit that transformed it into a high-performance lakeside home. Rather than starting over, the project focused on unlocking the potential of the existing structure while dramatically improving comfort, efficiency, and health.

The homeowner’s vision drove the design: open up the interior by eliminating first-floor support posts, maintain and expand the home’s signature glass views, and push energy performance as far as possible. Addressing existing poor detailing was critical, as the home was ill-equipped for Maine’s demanding climate. In close collaboration with the Architect, Kaplan Thompson, significant upgrades included moisture remediation in the crawlspace, new footings for structural modifications, and a complete rethink of the building envelope.

Executed over three winter phases, the project allowed the owners to enjoy uninterrupted summers on the lake while steady progress was made during the winter. To support the open plan concept required introducing steel beam structural solutions that enabled column-free interiors and expansive openings for oversized, triple-glazed windows—flooding the home with light while maintaining exceptional thermal performance.

Meticulous attention was paid to minimizing thermal bridging and refining the exterior wall assembly, followed by carefully detailed interiors that balance clean trim lines, custom cabinetry, refined fixtures, and highly efficient use of space.

The result is a bright, modern, and healthy home—proof that thoughtful design and high-performance construction can breathe new life into an existing building while delivering lasting comfort, beauty, and energy efficiency.

Photos: Trent Bell