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Winkelman Architecture Lands the Applause

A forest-swathed Winkelman Architecture family camp gets a new landing
Words By Anna Mangum
Photos By Jeff Roberts
Architecture:Winkelman Architecture|Builder:Bill Symonds|Landscape:Salmon Falls, Richardson & Associates|Engineer:Albert Putnam & Associates|Metal Work:Standfast Works Forge, Symonds Construction|Kitchen:Warren Construction Group

In 2017, Joanna Shaw of Winkelman Architecture was hired to add on to a family’s camp on Bridgton Lake. So then there were two: a main house and a bunkhouse, near the edge of the lake. However, this is not an Agatha Christie novel. The numbers are only going up. For the latest installment, she was asked to complete the next piece of the family’s long-term vision: a landing. Standing old and in need of renovation, there was an existing boathouse on the property. When Winkelman came in, they preserved a lot of the building and peeled away to reveal strong bones. By preserving the existing outline of the boathouse, they maintained the sense that this landing had always been there. 

In this Maine family camp, the property is designed to grow with time just as the owners’ children do. Clearly, it’s a hit.
The structure seamlessly blends into the landscape, thanks to natural materials and an innovative shape.
Maine camps have historically been made of simple materials, and Winkelman’s project is no exception even though it feels distinctly modern.

The new landing is nestled quietly in the trees and is a place where the family can keep boats and other outdoor recreation tools. In a way, the landing symbolizes a deeper connection to the outdoors as the gateway from the house to the water. People are always coming and going from the camp—the family has three children and invites plenty of visitors—so in a practical sense, the landing was a must. Though it has a simple look, Joanna remarks, “There was truthfully nothing simple about the work itself!” Many details went into giving it a classic, timeless camp feel. They designed the furniture, including a long bench built by the builder, Bill Symonds. Light washes over the bench on a clear day and invites the sitter to experience the beauty of the lake. 

Winkelman designed all the furniture in the landing, including this outdoor hanging bench.
A trio of buildings on the site: the main house, guest house, and landing.

Though the family is based in California, they have been visiting Maine for many years, with many more to come. Part of the futurity of the design includes the landscape as well. They worked with Richardson & Associates and Salmon Falls Landscaping to protect, preserve, and revegetate the property. With a home that allows the family to immerse in the outdoors, it was crucial to protect the forest.

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