Residential
Housing by the Bridge
Location: Biddeford, Maine

This 3 story, wood-framed apartment building in Downtown Biddeford’s historic district includes a full house of market rate apartments to address Maine’s need for quality housing. 1 bedroom and studio units (ranging from 271 sf – 580 sf) are included with a roof deck at the top overlooking the river and to downtown. The project is tucked between an art-deco detailed Saco Lowell Mill building (currently being developed) and Amtrak’s rail bridge and tracks.  The building includes a flat roof with solar panels on the tower to collect a fair share of the sun’s energy. Tall, field-painted cement board panels coursed in a soldier pattern emphasize its height. The base of the building at the most prominent corner along Elm Street is wrapped in natural wood and further defined by a hung metal canopy to mark the entrance.  The form of the upper floors shifts at the front entry to provide depth and detail in much the same way the adjacent Art Deco, Saco Lowell Mill does at the transition to the stair tower.  This facade shift is used in several areas to enhance the sculptural interest of the building and to call out its entry and interior circulation. Additional sound proofing measures are included in the exterior walls and the windows to address urban noise and sound from the very near railway line. Construction completed September 2024.

Project Spotlight

The site was tight, tucked between a 5-story landmark building and a raised railroad bed and bridge. Given the rich texture of the local fabric surrounding the site, we chose to take a more sculptural approach, clad in tall, thin cement board panels to visually elongate the building against its tall neighbor. The soft palette is punctuated by a natural wood inset ribbon that guides you to the entry. Solar panels on the stair roof provide the electricity for the house meter while the roof deck gives sunspace for all occupants.

Project Details

MATERIALS
Hardie Cement board panels with EZ Trim joints- painted after install
Thermory Ash siding
Tru Exterior composite trim
Solar array to cover house meter electric usage
Shallow slab foundation due to the existing site having deep layers of consolidated debris from a demolished building

CONTRACTOR Risbara Brothers

GEOTECH ENGINEER Summit Engineering

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING L+L Engineering

PHOTOGRAPHY– Jeff Roberts Imaging

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We specialize in creating beautiful living and work spaces, inspired by Maine's rugged landscape. The quality of light in our spaces throughout the year will be second to none. We welcome the opportunity to help you live in such a place.

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