Sail Loft

Thoughtful interiors breathe new life into this previously bare attic that was once a busy sail-making loft above a 1700s colonial house located in historic York, Maine. The generous fourteen-foot-high volume is now a multifaceted living, working, and play space, well suited to each member of the family.

In the 1860s, the original saltbox roof of the house was removed to add a third floor “sail loft” manufacturing space. A locally reclaimed barn structure (probably dating to the 18th century) was repurposed to frame the additional space, with wide gable roof rotated 90-degrees from the house’s original design. When its sail-making purpose became obsolete, the space evolved into a storage attic for the following century.

The new floor plan works effectively around the existing stairwell, large brick masonry chimneys, and considerable exposed structure to allow for the addition of a full bath, mechanical space, walk-in closet, and play loft—all while maintaining the large, open character of the raw space.

Great care was taken to preserve and reinforce the existing timber frame. Due to structural limitations and the low-clearance height of beams, the play loft was framed independently through a structural steel system delicately slipped into place. A steel channel moment frame sisters the north side of one of the post and beam sections, creating much-needed lateral stability. Shallow hollow steel tubes span from the moment frame to the north gable end wall, supporting the timber decking of the play loft above. 1-1/8” thick by 4” deep steel flitch plates reinforce historic scarf joint splices in multiple beams from their concealed sides.

Austere detailing and finishes were designed to showcase the structure and rustic character of the early American architecture, along with the owners’ collection of art and antiques. Historic double-hung windows were carefully restored and salvaged boards became finish drawer panels on the bathroom vanity.

A mini split heat pump conditions the entire loft space while a ducted mini split system replaced an outdated oil-fired forced air system throughout the remainder of the house. This work was done in unison with the loft renovation, allowing for carefully located ductwork to remain concealed below the loft floor.

During the initial clean-out and demolition phases of work, items of a bygone era were joyfully discovered, including: a 19th century shoe, Daguerreotype, driving glasses, papier-mâché lacquered pen tray, U.S. Navy copper nails, checker piece, brass ring, buttons, pen nib, shoe hook, keys, fish hook, apothecary bottle, sail-making tools, plumb bob, and a letter to one of the former residents (dated 1912). These discoveries and the possible stories behind their existence will forever provide lively discussion.