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Bruno ch ecture:

Combining modern y, sustainabil y, and comf t

By Sonja O’ Donnell with Blas B uno

Phot s and renderings courtesy of B uno A chitecture

For over 25 years, Blas Bruno and Elizabeth Wastler-Bruno have combined their love of Maine living with their passion for architec-
ture. Habitating such a diverse, rich and beautiful environment, their appreciation for all things natural has ebbed its way into the
couples’ designs – specifically when considering environmental sustainability.

From the tallest peak in Acadia National Park to the rocky coastal beaches, there is little left to be desired when observing the stunning
land that Maine offers to its locals and visitors alike. Although these sites are cherished, climate change is ravaging that very same
landscape. Bruno Architecture, the Brunos’ boutique firm in Blue Hill, has adapted the way they design homes to reduce the impact
of carbon emissions. According to the EPA, housing is a major contributor of greenhouse gases. Our most sacred spaces make up
almost 12 percent of C02 emissions annually. This is the problem that Bruno Architecture has set out to solve.
Drawing inspiration from natural vistas, the husband and wife team have designed a line of smart solar homes that are carbon neutral
and give the option of off-grid living. Melding modern designs with the beauty of the Earth, these dwellings fade naturally into the
landscape. Light is designed to cascade through the homes, showcasing walls of glass and lofted ceilings; allowing sunlight to fill
the living spaces with a flow of positive energy and warmth. Granite hearths are a central focus that bring elements of nature into the
modern concept of each home. The flexibility of costs associated with these homes, allows them to be occupied in several ways, whe-
ther as a retreat, guest house, or simply a refuge, allowing the inhabitants to connect with their surroundings.

Left and Right:
Interior options for the
energy-efficient modern
Maine camp-style homes

Although impeccably designed and crafted, the true beauty of these homes rests in their ability to create a sustainable life without
compromising luxury or comfort. The entire home acts as an ecosystem; each detail playing a specific role to engineer complex and
hidden symbiotic relationships. Many think living sustainably is an impractical solution with many tradeoffs, but with a smart solar
home, that dream manifests into everyday life.

Right: Exterior of a newly-finished
independent off-grid home, similar
to the old Maine camps concept

For more information on these homes and other
designs, please contact Bruno Architecture at
36 Main Street, PO Box 975, Blue Hill, 04614.
(207) 374-5574; info@brunoarchitecture.com.

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