2026 Award of merit - adus/small projects

pretty good adu

Camden, Maine • Completed August 2025

Project Team:

  • Mottram Architecture (now Mottram & Maines), Emily Mottram, Owner/Architect 

  • Tamarack Builders, Andrew Marchetti, Owner/Builder 

Project Description:

Tucked into a peaceful backyard, this 600-square-foot ADU was designed as a year-round home for the property owner’s mother, independent, comfortable, and just steps from family. Inspired by the existing New England home, the cottage feels as though it has always belonged.

Inside, vaulted ceilings and timber beams bring warmth and character, while vibrant colors and a custom blue kitchen reflect its owner’s fun, spunky personality. Thoughtful aging-in-place features support comfortable living for years to come.

High-performance detailing and natural, lower-carbon materials, including exterior wood fiber insulation, cellulose, Glavel below the concrete-free slab, and natural wood floors, create a durable, efficient home. The result is 600 square feet that feels surprisingly luxurious: colorful, cozy, highly functional, and deeply personal.

Project Metrics:

  • Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 1BR / 1BA

  • Sq. footage: 600 SF - ADU limitation set by the town of Camden

  • Air tightness: Blower Door - 1.44ACH50 / 0.08 CFM50/ft3 (Env. Area)

  • HVAC: Mitsubishi Ductless Mini Splits & Broan ERV 

  • R-Value: Walls R-24, Under Slab R-29, Roof R-51

Highlights from the Judges:

“What a cozy, fun and inspiring home!”
“Small footprint, low embodied carbon materials, and single level living.”
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