How to Make a House Levitate: The Accidental Deep Energy Retrofit

What began as a planned new build took an unexpected turn when this prefabricated house, originally slated for demolition, was given a second life. Poor original detailing left the home ill-equipped to handle Maine’s dramatic weather shifts, and moisture issues had led to mold in the crawl space, exterior sheathing, and around openings. Kaplan Thompson Architects partnered with Warren Construction to transform the existing structure into a high-performance, refined home. The renovation unfolded over multiple seasons, with many challenges, ultimately resulting in an airtight, highly glazed residence with a striking interior highlighted by a seemingly unsupported central beam.