Harborview Townhomes

A Seven-Unit Urban Development in Portland, Maine

The Challenge

The developer wanted to create a seven-unit residential development on a tight urban lot in the heart of Portland, close to downtown shops and restaurants, with ocean views and walkability to work. The challenge was in maximizing density and livability on a constrained site while creating homes that still felt private and individual compared to typical multi-family housing options. 

The Design Solution

We designed the project using a townhouse typology, which offers distinct advantages: each unit has a private entrance and yard, no one is living above or below you, and all tenants benefit from energy savings from the long shared walls between units. The three-story configuration puts main living spaces on the second level, providing better privacy, natural light, and views of the harbor. 

The cantilevered bay windows are the project’s defining feature—bold architectural gestures that maximize interior space, capture views, and give each unit individual character while creating visual interest on the street facade. These projecting volumes transform what could have been a simple box into dynamic urban architecture. 

The master suite occupies the third floor, while two additional bedrooms are located on the first floor, creating flexible living arrangements for different household types. 

Energy Performance

The project achieves 50% energy savings over typical new construction through a comprehensive approach to building performance. The building envelope includes R-16 slab, R-36 walls, and R-68 roof, creating a highly insulated shell. All seven units feature air-source heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling, paired with energy recovery ventilators (ERV) for fresh air without energy penalty. The shared walls between units further reduce energy loads by minimizing exterior surface area exposed to the elements.

Details

Project size: 11, 840 sf
Unit sizes: 7 units from 1,290 to 1,890 sf
Building shell: R-16 slab, R-36 walls, R-68 roof
Materials: Hardie panel siding, Eastern white cedar accents, galvanized metal, Anderson windows
Systems: All units have aerothermal heat pumps for heat and cooling; ERVs for fresh air
Energy savings over typical new home: 50%
Awards: AIA New England 2013 Design Merit Award

Architect: Kaplan Thompson Architects
Project Architect: Jamie Broadbent - contributed to project while an employee at Kaplan Thompson Architects
Developer: Redfern Properties
Builder: Redfern Properties
Landscape Architect: Soren DeNiord Design Studio
Photography: Trent Bell Photography