Within a densely settled seasonal community on Peaks Island, Maine, this tight, sloping waterfront site was faced with the dilemma of dramatic north-facing views of Great Diamond Island & Casco Bay in the opposite direction of the incoming natural southern light. The clients wanted a 3-season cottage with open public spaces and tons of light, with a master suite, 2 guest bedrooms and bunkroom that maximized the views and wove into the existing context of the island. The history of Peaks Island as a tented community helps give this project its rich form. Originally conceived of as a central public “tent” – light, airy and ephemeral – connecting traditional, more utilitarian forms, the light-filled living/kitchen/dining space with 3/4 barrel vaulted & skylit roof shell angles toward the primary view. The two flanking contextual volumes containing the entry & private functions remain orthogonal to the rest of community, serving as friendly, familiar transition pieces to the neighbors. The spiral stair acts as a hinge pin between forms, its central post providing some of the heaviest lifting for the oversized timber truss structure.