Set on a ridge in Maine, the Nomentana Residence was designed to frame and transform views of a pond and the dramatic hill behind it. The juxtaposition of house and landscape is the result of a close collaboration between Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects and MVVA. Starting from a formal courtyard-like space at the front entrance, MVVA designed a dynamic pathway that puts the building and its surrounding landscape into dialogue.
The route offers different views of the pond as it passes alongside and ducks under the house, which is held above the ground on thin columns.

A monolithic stone, a concrete stair, and a steel walkway begin the path by bridging the gap between the house’s front door and the landscape.

Stepping stones lead to a series of terraces beneath the house, capturing a spectacular view of the pond and the hill in the distance. The terraces prevent soil erosion and guide the path into the forest. Simple rectangular concrete steps descend to the pond, and a concrete walk crosses an intermittent stream. Planting strategies were designed to return the site, which was highly disturbed by the construction of the house, to a healthy and natural state.

Project Data

Landscape Architecture: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates

LOCATION Stoneham, Maine

YEAR 2005

SIZE 2.8 acres

CLIENT Private Residence

COLLABORATORS

Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects (Architecture)

AWARDS

2008 ASLA Residential Design Honor Award