In the coastal neighborhood of Cape Elizabeth, we were tasked with renovating an existing third floor of a home, creating a more functional, livable space where our clients could take in the views and relax with space to spare. A connection among floors was also imperative, tying a thread from the first floor to the third.

We expanded the third floor to include a spacious master suite including a bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet. We replaced an outdated 1980s stair with a stair tower that connects the three floors more efficiently, using a mix of white oak (matching the existing floors), steel stair stringers and posts, and a cable railing with a wood cap. The existing rooflines presented a challenge when it came to how to best utilize the space with sloped ceilings. In order to execute the updated stair tower, we had to make a small addition to stack the third-floor stair on top of the existing lower tower.

A few years after the initial renovation, the clients were ready for a major change to the main level of their house.  They reached out looking to update their secluded kitchen and create a more open living space.

In order to achieve the desired open floor plan, the team worked to remove a very large, centralized masonry fireplace. Eliminating this original, heavy feature helped to free up a lot of room for circulation and sunlight.

Repositioning the expanded kitchen to the rear corner of the floor plan aligned it with the large sitting area. The existing flat ceiling in the kitchen was opened to the sloped roof above and two skylights were added to bring more natural light into the area while creating an even more spacious experience. A pass-through butler’s pantry was added between the kitchen and the new dining room at the front of the house.

Between the stair landing and the seating area, a long wall was removed to create a cohesive entry into the space and provide a glimpse of the deck and yard beyond. Since this main level is on the second floor, this is an important moment for the homeowners as well as guests to feel welcomed into the space.

Today, from the third-floor master bedroom window, you have the perfect view of the local lighthouse. The second renovation of the main floor brought a brightness to the space and now allows the couple more space to relax and entertain guests.