Fire Command Addition

A Bold Master Suite Addition Overlooking a Rock Quarry in Maine

The Challenge

The clients wanted to add a master suite and storage to their existing home—originally designed by Phil Kaplan 14 years prior—on the dramatic site of a former US Army Artillery installation overlooking a rock quarry. The challenge was creating an addition that felt like a natural extension of the distinctive original structure rather than an awkward attachment. 

The Design Solution

We designed a vaulted master suite that takes formal cues from the original shed roof while establishing its own bold presence. A flat-roofed connector with protected entry joins the new wing to the original structure, providing direct access to the rear “dock” that protrudes into the quarry beyond. 

The addition used the same three materials as the original—CorTen steel, corrugated metal, and natural cedar, but arranged in complementary, interlocking configurations that create visual interest while maintaining cohesion. Expansive glass in the master bedroom connects dramatically to the quarry views, making the bedroom feel suspended over the landscape. 

Details

Project size: 1,000 sf
Building shell: R-20 slab, R-44 walls, R-60 roof, triple-glazed windows
Systems: radiant floor heat, ERV for fresh air

Architect: Kaplan Thompson Architects - contributed to project while an employee at Kaplan Thompson Architects
Project Architect: Jamie Broadbent
Builder: Jamie Goduti
Photographer: Sandy Agrafiotis