Located in Biddeford, Maine, the Hills Beach home was a renovation project by architects and builders Woodhull, completed for founder Caleb Johnson's own family. Rather than demolishing the original "beach shack," the team embarked on a thoughtful transformation that respected the structure's origins and the coastal neighborhood. The project revitalized the home with locally sourced materials and handcrafted elements, creating a unique and character-filled home. The small, 850-square-foot footprint required maximizing every detail and space. Inspired by the surrounding landscape, the home features a material palette of natural wood, stone, concrete, and glass. Unpainted plaster was left to highlight the patina of reused materials. Inside, the kitchen became a centerpiece of craftsmanship, built by a master woodworker using joinery-based techniques without plywood or hardware. The house also includes subtle nods to local history, such as a hand-carved mermaid backsplash. Angled windows were strategically placed to frame views of the water, and the compact, energy-efficient design ensures all-day comfort. Credits Architects and Builders: Woodhull (Caleb Johnson, Jason Colpitts, Shannon Richards) Build Team: Coleman Motley, Sean Gallagher, Maslen Flett, Chip Emmons, Andrew Gibson Millwork Team: Scott Stuart, Dave Kelsh, Nicky Sontag, Ben Bailey, Jon Miller Landscape Design: Soren DeNiord Design Studio Landscape Installation: Pinnacle Landscape and Design Metalwork: Tunnelwerks, Erica Moody (Custom Metals Pulls) Custom Metal Screen: John Bisbee Pillows/Textiles: Erin Flett Art: Tessa Green O'Brien Client: Caleb Johnson Photographer: Trent Bell