Explore the Fall 2023 issue
Cover photo by Jeff Roberts Imaging
Editor’s Note
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MAINE is experiencing a significant housing shortage. And depending on who you ask, we need to add a minimum of 20,000 new units meet demand. At the same time, we are facing a dangerous buildup of carbon in the atmosphere. The built environment—from materials and construction to the energy needed to heat, cool and power our buildings—accounts for more than one-third of global carbon emissions. Therefore, effective solutions to the climate crisis need to include the way we design, build, heat, cool and power our homes.
This issue explores several possible solutions to these vexing challenges, from maximizing the units per lot with accessory dwelling units and multi-family housing to increasing construction efficiency by building off-site. We also look at innovations in carbon-sequestering building materials and forest management techniques.
In The future of housing, we dive into these issues head on by exploring a question posed by the Maine Climate Council, “Can Maine build housing that is affordable, climate smart, and locally sourced?” If the direction that Maine’s high-performance building industry, subsidized housing leaders, and forest management experts are heading is any indication, yes indeed we can.
Until very recently, the rules regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) varied from town to town, with some only allowing them if they were attached to the primary residence, like in the basement or an apartment over a garage, and others not allowing them at all. That all changed last year with new legislation that standardized basic elements of the laws that govern ADUs. While the details of the law are still being worked out in many Maine municipalities, A ground breaker features South Portland’s first detached ADU as well as the homeowners and the custom design-build firm that made it happen.
Interested in adding an ADU to your property? You’ll be happy to know that there are more than seven design-build firms in Maine (and one in neighboring New Hampshire) now offering pre-fabricated models that are as efficient as they are beautiful. With models that range from net zero to carbon-sequestering, these homes emphasize electrification and optimize space, while having a lower impact on the land.
If you’ve ever wondered why contemporary homes tend to have fewer dormers and roof angles than their predecessors, you may be surprised to learn that size and shape contribute to much more than style. To learn more, check out this month’s Building Science 101 column Keep it simple: How size and shape impact performance.
Looking for even more inspiration for your future home? You won’t want to miss the High performing homes showcase featuring a coastal transformation, a rural new build, an urban top-to-bottom renovation and the top-notch teams that made them happen.
Find all this and more in this issue.
As always, thank you for supporting our magazine with your subscriptions and gift subscriptions. If you like what you find here, please stay in touch by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter.
Heather Chandler
Editor & Publisher
On the cover
Photo: Mark Bealer | Studio 66, © CertainTeed
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be an answer to our need for flexible, affordable housing. Pictured here is the Zumette, a smaller version of Unity Homes' popular Zum model.
Unity Homes is among more than seven New England design-build companies creating beautiful, pre-designed, prefabricated, high-performance ADUs that optimize space & energy efficiency. Built offsite, to exacting standards, these small homes are sturdy, eco-sensitive and put occupant health and comfort first.