Through the Lens

Standing Out in the Maine Woods

This Modern house sits on steel columns amid the trees.

By Brian Vanden Brink
Image: © Brian Vanden Brink | Design: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Inc.

Maine has a rich portfolio of traditional forms of residential architecture. Wonderful examples of Georgian, Federal, Italinate, Shingle Style, and others abound, but modern houses are relatively rare. So this dramatic house in the woods designed by Mack Scogin and Merrill Elam stands out and makes a strong modernist statement. Built on a steeply sloping site, the house sits on steel columns amid the trees. Building with materials such as brushed stainless steel, cement board panels, stamped steel plates, and glass contribute to the industrial, modern feel of the house. Unique!

Image: © Brian Vanden Brink | Design: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Inc.
Image: © Brian Vanden Brink | Design: Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Inc.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

A Field Guide to American Houses

If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.
Buy at Amazon

Not So Big House

This book earned author Sarah Susanka a reputation as a small house guru, yet, that wasn’t exactly her goal. This book isn’t about building a small house, it’s about building a smart house, one that matches how we live, and prioritizing beauty and comfort over size.
Buy at Amazon

The New Carbon Architecture: Building to Cool the Climate

With this book, architect Bruce King changes the conversation around what it means to build a green home. Take everything you thought you knew about the topic, and just set it aside and let Bruce explain why embodied carbon trumps the rest of what is undoubtedly important.
Buy at Amazon
×

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Through the Lens

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

New Life for Old Hardware

With the right approach, you can restore old hardware—whether through soaking, scrubbing, or polishing—giving it a fresh look while preserving its original charm.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Video

View All Videos
View All

Architecture and Design

View All Architecture and Design Articles
View All Architecture and Design Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Membership & Magazine

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.