Historic Preservation is Architectural Sustainability

Clients Mike and Janet Burd decided to move to the Kennebunkport, Maine, area for the diversity of cultural, social, and outdoor activities. They sought a location offering both an age–in–place lifestyle and a haven to accommodate visits from their adult children from multiple cities. The vision was for multi-generational, timeless living, and convenient guest quarters. Mike needed a place for his collection of 10,000 books. Janet sought a home with a kitchen suitable for two or 22 - the kitchen being the core of an eating, sitting, kitchen space with easy access to outdoor living. Each would have their own office; hers adjacent to the kitchen, his adjacent to his library. Mike has a passion for historic preservation, so finding an old house that would accommodate renovations and possible additions suitable for their overall lifestyle was important. Their outline of design needs was lengthy. 

The 1792 Smith Bradbury house with its adjacent English barn of the same era was the perfect fit – even with massive imperfections. Each was an example of early timber framing. An ideal collaboration soon fluidly formed for the dilapidated barn starting with the Maine Preservation Alliance (old structure surveys), who recommended Arron Sturgis of Preservation Timber Framing (preservation carpentry), who in turn suggested Benjamin Nutter due to his “especially sensitive eye and ear for historic structures” (architecture). To accomplish design goals, the English barn was moved to position it as an adjoining primary suite delicately integrated into the barn frame. A significant design goal was to preserve historic fabric while integrating a 21st century lifestyle. Benjamin Nutter Architects considers historic preservation as the foundation of architectural sustainability. The completed project is respectful of the architectural heritage of the Smith Bradbury house and the Kennebunkport neighborhood.

In Media

Maine Home + Design, January 2020 (PDF)