2025 Award Winner - adus/small projects

aisling

Midcoast Maine • Completed April 2024

Project Team:

  • Architect and Builder: Knickerbocker Group

  • Interior Design: Homeowner

  • Construction Manager: Knickerbocker Group

  • Set Crew: Maker Construction LLC

  • Custom Cabinetry: Zoulamis Fine Woodworking

  • Solar: ReVision Energy

Project Description:

For two empty nesters seeking a home that reflected their values, downsizing was about more than square footage—it was about shaping a daily life rooted in comfort, sustainability, and ease. Their 175-year-old farmhouse no longer supported aging in place or environmentally conscious living, prompting the choice of an 800-square-foot prefabricated home designed for livability and efficiency.

Aisling’s volumetric prefabrication at a local Maine facility minimized onsite waste and reduced construction to just 12 weeks. The all-electric, solar-powered home includes an induction stove, full-size dishwasher, combination heat-pump washer/dryer, Mitsubishi heat pumps, a Morso woodstove, and bathroom vent/fan/heater units for supplemental warmth. Dense-pack wood fiber insulation, expertly air-sealed walls and ceilings, triple-glazed windows, and T-studs create a tight thermal envelope, while a Lunos Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) provides continuous fresh air. Monthly energy use is extremely low, averaging around $50.

Materials were selected for durability, low impact, and local sourcing, including local pine siding, custom cabinetry, and select lighting fixtures. Expansive south-facing windows and a screened porch bring in natural light, maximize passive solar gain, and connect the interior to the surrounding landscape. Interiors are thoughtfully layered with vintage furnishings and locally sourced Maine artwork.

By combining smart design and high-performance systems, Aisling demonstrates that smallspace living can be comfortable, energy-efficient, and deeply connected to the landscape.

Project Metrics:

  • Bedrooms / Bathrooms: 2 BR / 1 BA

  • Conditioned living space: 740 sq ft

  • Airtightness rating: 0.18 cfm50/sq ft of enclosure area

  • HVAC: Mitsubishi mini-split heat pumps, Lunos ERVs

  • R-values: Foundation: R-16, Walls: R-28, Roof: R-45

Highlights from the Judges:

“Very nice project with excellent material choices for human health, ecosystem health, durability and embodied carbon.”
“Love the use of off-site prefabrication, combined with a beautiful design and excellent performance metrics.”
Browse more awards