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CNN
3 days ago
- Business
- CNN
These sleek, sustainable homes are breaking the stereotype for pre-fab construction
Oil & gas HomesFacebookTweetLink Follow Colin Goodson knows more about energy than most people. The tall, bearded Mainer is an engineer on an offshore oil drilling ship in the Gulf of Mexico. But when it came time for him to build a home in Southern Maine, Goodson largely bypassed fossil fuels. The house he built is entirely off the grid, powered from rooftop solar and batteries that convert the sun's energy to electricity. Electrons power much of his two-story home; it is heated and cooled with heat pumps, and Goodson and his wife cook meals on an induction range. Incredibly well-insulated, the entire home is heated by a small wood stove. Goodson loves his new house, even though it has raised the eyebrows of his drilling ship colleagues. 'All the guys at work think I'm crazy,' Goodson said during a recent tour of his home. 'They think I'm living in a shack out in the woods somewhere and I go outside to use the toilet, but that's clearly not the case.' The house, built by New Hampshire company Unity Homes, is a far cry from a shack. Modern and spacious, it has running water and three bathrooms. Despite also having initial concerns about her husband's off-the-grid aspirations, Katie Goodson is a convert as well – especially after the lights stayed on during an intense storm that knocked their neighbors' electricity out. 'I would never go back,' she told CNN. 'When I tell co-workers or neighbors that we live off-grid and they see the house, they're always like, 'Whoa, this isn't what I was expecting!' It's really fun surprising people; I live a totally normal life.' The Goodsons are part of a small but growing number of homeowners who are choosing to build energy-efficient 'panelized' homes that are pre-made in a factory. The homes are better for the climate, and although they have a high upfront cost, several homeowners say their energy savings, quality of life and overall cost of living has greatly improved since moving in. Unity, a brand of custom home company Bensonwood, is one of several companies in New England building homes in a factory. It's a modern spin on the 1900s Sears Roebuck catalogue of mail-order houses, now with energy efficiency front of mind. Companies like Unity and Maine-based BrightBuilt Home offer several basic designs that owners can customize. At Unity, much of the design is done ahead of time, before the house's walls, windows and doors are assembled inside the company's Keene, New Hampshire, factory, then wrapped tightly in reusable plastic and put on a truck bed. Once it's on site, a panelized house can be built in a matter of days. It is a very different model from traditional 'stick-built' home construction, where the structure is built 'stick by stick' on site and can take months to finish, all the while leaving wood and materials exposed to rain, snow and wind. 'There's a logic to building a structure in a climate-controlled environment. That really resonates with a lot of folks,' said Parlin Meyer, managing principal for BrightBuilt Home. The number of factory-made homes still pales in comparison to traditional stick-built homes in the United States — just 3% of all single-family homes as of 2024, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The trend is much more popular in Europe; in Sweden, most new homes are built in factories. 'That's been relatively flat for a number of years,' said Devin Perry, an assistant vice president at the National Association of Home Builders. 'But anecdotally, there seems to be momentum behind that method of construction, and people looking for energy efficient options.' Three New England companies specializing in factory-built and energy efficient homes told CNN they are seeing a rise in interest. Pre-fabricated homes used to be associated with cheap, poorly made housing, but that has changed. 'I think for a long time, modular homes had a bad reputation, both earned and not,' Meyer said, adding that more manufacturers are leaning into energy-efficient homes and being willing to customize them has spurred consumer interest. As the US grapples with a shortage of housing, Unity's sales lead, Alison Keay, said the company believes this model is 'the future of construction.' The Goodsons didn't start out intending to build a home. The couple scoured the southern Maine housing market for nearly two years, striking out time after time. 'We put in offers on probably half a dozen houses well over asking and were perpetually beat out by people who were paying cash, coming up from Boston or New York,' Goodson said. 'The housing stock was nonexistent, to say the least.' House-hunting in cities comes with the same problem. When Tim Buntel and Cynthia Graber started looking for homes in Somerville, Massachusetts, they kept finding condos listed for far more than they were worth. 'They were often very expensive, and they were flips,' Graber said. 'Developers come in, they take old properties and do a lot of things that are pretty in their eyes. And it's really crappy quality.' Massachusetts is one of the costliest states in which to buy a house. The greater Boston market has remained stubbornly expensive, with low inventory clashing with high demand. Graber and Buntel eventually found a property with an old cottage they considered renovating. But after several sky-high quotes from architects, they decided to demolish it and build a new home with Unity. 'It was more flexible for our (urban) setting,' Buntel said. 'Bringing the panels in on a flat pack and assembling them here was just more feasible, given the constraints of the streets and the neighborhood.' Unity Homes started with the intent to offer quality, sustainable homes at a lower price point than the bigger custom homes built by its parent company, Bensonwood. The final price can range widely depending on how big the customer wants to go, or whether it comes with features like a porch or a garage – anywhere from $300,000 for its smallest home up to $900,000 or just over $1 million for its biggest builds. BrightBuilt's houses range from $275,000 to over $2 million, Meyer said. High costs are still a big barrier to prospective customers, said Alan Gibson, principal at Maine-based builder GO Logic, where a shell for an ultra-efficient, two-story, 1,400 square foot home with three bedrooms can cost around $600,000. Homeowners also need to factor in additional costs, like buying and developing a suitable plot of land, and in some cases, getting access to water, electricity and septic, Gibson added. The way to bring down costs, Gibson believes, is more panelized, multi-family housing. 'It can be done so much more efficiently,' Gibson said, 'and there's a lot more repetition' for the developer, making the process faster and less expensive than custom multi-family builds. Goodson, the homeowner in Maine, was able to save big money with his engineering background and penchant for DIY. He installed a rooftop solar system and electrical improvements himself, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. He wound up spending around $500,000 in all, which he estimates was $200,000 less than he otherwise would have. 'It's a big number to swallow, I'm not making light of that at all, but it's not that far out of what's reasonable,' Goodson told CNN. It's also not considering the long-term savings he will experience with no utility bills. He was also able to take advantage of federal tax credits that reduced the cost of his rooftop solar, which saved him more than $10,000 on his panels. Those tax credits are now endangered with House Republicans' tax bill. 'That was huge,' he said. 'It's fairly unfortunate they're looking at doing away with it.' Unity and BrightBuilt factory-built homes share an important feature: They are airtight, part of what makes them 60% more efficient than a standard home. GO Logic says its homes are even more efficient, requiring very little energy to keep cool or warm. 'Everybody wants to be able to build a house that's going to take less to heat and cool,' said Unity director Mark Hertzler. Home efficiency has other indirect benefits. The insulation and airtightness – aided by heat pumps and air exchangers – helps manage the movement of heat, air and moisture, which keeps fresh air circulating and mold growth at bay, according to Hertzler. Buntel, a spring allergy sufferer, said his Somerville home's air exchange has made a noticeable difference in the amount of pollen in the house. And customers have remarked on how quiet their homes are, due to their insulation. 'I'm from New England, so I've always lived in drafty, uncomfortable, older houses,' Buntel said. 'This is really amazing to me, how consistent it is throughout the year.' Some panelized home customers are choosing to build not just to reduce their carbon footprint, but because of the looming threat of a warming planet, and the stronger storms it brings. Burton DeWilde, a Unity homeowner based in Vermont, wanted to build a home that could withstand increasing climate impacts like severe flooding. 'I think of myself as a preemptive climate refugee, which is maybe a loaded term, but I wasn't willing to wait around for disaster to strike,' he told CNN. Sustainability is one of Unity's founding principles, and the company builds houses with the goal of being all-electric. 'We're trying to eliminate fossil fuels and the need for fossil fuels,' Hertzler said. Goodson may drill oil by day, but the only fossil fuel he uses at home is diesel to power the house battery if the sun doesn't shine for days. Goodson estimated he burned just 30 gallons of diesel last winter – hundreds of gallons less than Maine homeowners who burn oil to stay warm. 'We have no power bill, no fuel bill, all the things that you would have in an on-grid house,' he said. 'We pay for internet, and we pay property taxes, and that's it.'
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Travel + Leisure
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Tiny Town in Maine Offers a Quintessential New England Summer—With Gorgeous Beaches and a 100-year-old Lobster Restaurant
Catch a free movie or grab tickets to stand-up comedy and live music at the Leavitt Theatre. Take a stroll on Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile cliff walk that carries you along a paved path from Shore Road to Perkins Cove. Get tickets to a Broadway-caliber show at the Ogunquit Playhouse, a historic theatre that was founded nearly a century ago. Stay at a luxe retreat perched high above the captivating cliffs at Cliff House. Get out on the water with a tour from Finest Kind or Sail the Gift, or paddle the Ogunquit River by kayak with a rental from World Within. Tucked on the coast of Southern Maine, the former artist colony of Ogunquit is a long-time favorite for summer vacations. According to local lore, its name means 'beautiful place by the sea' in the Indigenous Abenaki language, and for good reason. With over three miles of rocky shoreline and sandy dunes, a picturesque downtown, and a thriving arts community, it's hard to imagine a place that's more quintessentially Maine. Guest suite at Cliff Walk Maine. Perched atop a hill in the heart of downtown, this 17-room boutique property offers easy access to all that Ogunquit has to offer. The town's oldest inn was recently renovated, opening for the 2025 season in May with interiors designed by neighborhood-favorite Goods Ogunquit. Although set away from the coast, the pet-friendly property still boasts sweeping ocean views, a saltwater pool, and onsite cocktail bar and restaurant Coastal Alchemist. Guests can also enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast at Crew, just steps from the Trident Inn. Long hailed as one of the state's most luxurious properties, the 226-room Cliff House originally opened in 1872 and sits on a 70-acre property on Bald Head Cliff, just a three-mile jaunt from downtown. 'Their dramatic sea views and pool make me feel like I have truly escaped,' says Amy Welch-Olson, owner of Capshore Photography and Mainer. With a top-notch spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and fire pits that are perfect for late-night s'mores, Cliff House blends the charm of coastal Maine with luxe accommodations—a combination that's ideal for families and couples alike. The recently reimagined Dunes on the Waterfront reopened under the ownership of Tim Harrington last year. The 12-acre property has been hosting guests in its 21 cottages for more than 90 years, with screened porches and terraces that look out to the sea. While there's no restaurant on-site, guests can borrow a house bicycle, take the hotel's chauffeured golf cart downtown, or just take a quick stroll via a direct path to the historic, 100-year-old Ogunquit Lobster Pound. Benches along The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. GrandviewGraphics/Getty Images It's hard to imagine visiting Ogunquit and not taking a stroll along Marginal Way. The paved cliff walk is an easy 1.25-mile stroll, starting at Shore Road near the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort and ending at the seaside village of Perkins Cove. The walk is easy and dotted with 39 benches, perfect for taking in the sights of the Atlantic, passing sailboats, and rocky coves. 'Walking Marginal Way never gets old,' says Welch-Olson. Established in 1925 as a silent film theatre, the Leavitt offers free screenings of classic and cult-favorite movies, live music, and ticketed concerts in the heart of downtown Ogunquit. Welch-Olson says, 'The Leavitt Theater is celebrating 100 years this year, so stopping in for live music, movies, or just cocktails is a fun way to end the night.' The Ogunquit Playhouse has been putting on shows since 1933. 'Ogunquit Playhouse has Broadway-caliber performances all summer,' says Lauren Mendoza, owner of Slack Tide Sea Salt and York local. The playhouse runs several shows throughout the season, which typically runs from May through October. While it's wonderful to see Ogunquit from land, nothing beats the views from the sea. You can choose between several boat charters that leave from Perkins Cove, like Sail The Gift. According to Welch-Olson, 'It's an affordable way to see the coast, lighthouses, seals, and more. It's one of our favorite ways to kick back and enjoy the area.' Overlooking Perkin's Cove in Ogunquit, Maine. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images There's no shortage of souvenir shops in the area, but locally run Maine Originals stands out with their fun screenprinted styles and unique designs. Pick up an embroidered Vacationland hat, some lobster-embroidered sweatpants, or a cozy Perkins Cove sweater that will be the perfect reminder of your trip. Stop by Kiki's and browse their eclectic selection of accessories, kid's clothing, home goods, and women's wear—including the perfect Alpaca sweaters adorned with lobsters. Perkins Cove Pottery Shop is stocked with original work from former store owner Chris Davis, stone vases, sea glass garden stakes, and more one-of-a-kind pieces. Restaurant patios in Ogunquit, Maine. Brianna Soukup/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images Backyard is a seasonal coffee shop that opened its doors in downtown Ogunquit in 2012. Welch-Olson raves about it: 'Our perfect morning starts at Backyard Coffee. They use Bard Coffee from Portland, and I always order an iced Smooth Criminal, a latte with maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Their salted chocolate chip cookies are warm from the oven if you arrive early enough, and they have great sandwich options for the beach.' Barnacle Billy's is a classic seasonal spot tucked on the shore of Perkins Cove, and it's been serving up the essentials since 1961: clam chowder, steamers, boiled lobsters, and rum punch. The counter-service restaurant isn't anything fancy, but it's part of the quintessential Maine experience. Nothing beats cracking lobsters by the harbor and topping it all off with a slab of homemade blueberry pie. Brix + Brine is an outdoor raw bar and seafood restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Ogunquit. The seasonal spot is entering its eighth season, featuring a menu of local oysters, shareable small plates, and sandwiches. The alfresco eatery is the perfect place for a post-beach snack or before a show at the nearby Playhouse. 'I like to go to Brix + Brine for oysters before a matinee,' says Mendoza. Footbridge Lobster is a no-frills walk-up window serving all the hits—fried seafood, lobster rolls, and cold beers. According to Jake Stevens, creator of Maine food and travel Instagram, Eating Through The Seacoast, they're 'best enjoyed at the picnic tables overlooking picturesque Perkins Cove. Just watch out for the seagulls!' The perfect place to fuel up for a day on the beach, Loveshack Juicery serves up healthy breakfast and lunch options, like smoothies, juices, and bowls. Per Welch-Olson, 'After stopping at Backyard Coffee, we order smoothie bowls and fresh juice from Loveshack just around the corner and then head to Footbridge Beach for a few hours." That sounds like the perfect day to us. White chairs overlooking the coast of Ogunquit, Maine. PhotoThe best time to visit Ogunquit is from June to September because of the destination's seasonality. While some stores and restaurants are open year-round, many are only open through peak summer months. Come July, temperatures start to warm up enough to enjoy an afternoon on the beach, and the season is in full swing. You'll want to make reservations for lodging early, as July and August are among the busiest times to visit. If you're looking for a more relaxed (and less crowded) visit, plan your trip for the beginning of shoulder season, which kicks off in September. While it may be too chilly for lounging shoreside, the weather is still mild, and most seasonal businesses are still operating. Bridge leading into Ogunquit, Maine. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Ogunquit is a 45-minute drive south of the Portland International Jetport and a 1.5-hour drive north of Boston Logan International Airport. While both airports have their advantages—Portland's is small and easy but Boston's offers more flight options—they're both solid options for travelers. It's best to rent a car and travel along Route One to arrive in Ogunquit, which will take you past other charming Maine seaside towns, seafood shacks, and antique shops. Coming from Portland, be sure to stop in Biddeford for a quick bite at Palace Diner. If you're approaching from Boston, take a detour into Portsmouth, Kittery, and York before continuing north. If you'd rather arrive by train, you can take the Amtrak Downeaster into Wells, a 15-minute drive from Ogunquit. Once you've arrived, many of the town's destinations are within walking distance, but a car can be helpful in case of inclement weather or to do some additional exploring. If you're looking to use public transportation, you can hop on the Ogunquit Trolley for $5 per adult, per ride. The trolley travels between popular hotels, restaurants, and beaches and runs from July through October. Otherwise, rideshare services are available, though limited during off-peak days and times.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Southern Maine communities gear up for school budget, bond and candidate votes
Jun. 7—Residents of communities all across Maine will get the chance Tuesday to approve or reject their school districts' proposed budgets. Most budgeting processes so far have been largely uneventful. But when voters weigh in, which is required by law, things can get complicated, especially in cities or towns with large proposed increases. Last year, five Maine districts rejected their budgets. Experts weren't sure whether the increase in spending, which happened as districts were grappling with the loss of COVID-19 pandemic funds, was a trend or a one-off occurrence. But as voters gear up to decide on budgets, special election races and some bond projects, a few this year could prove controversial. They will also decide whether to extend the budget referendum voting process, something state statute requires districts to reaffirm every three years. Historic data shows turnout during June municipal elections is generally low, usually between 10% and 20%, compared to November elections when that number is closer to 60%. Here's a closer look at what will be on the ballot in some communities in Southern Maine. CAPE ELIZABETH Cape Elizabeth has twice rejected large bond proposals to rebuild the district's aging schools. Voters turned down a $116 million project in November 2022, and a $95 million version of the bond in November 2024. The most recent referendum failed by less than 200 votes. On Tuesday, voters will get a third chance to vote on a bond, this one an $86.5 million project that includes a new middle school and renovations and additions at the elementary school. The project comes with an estimated tax increase of 12.3%, spread across multiple years. Proponents of the project, including Superintendent Chris Record, say the school buildings have reached the end of their useful life and are not well-suited to modern-day learning. "At the middle school, they have very small classrooms that make teaching in a modern way very difficult," Record said. "It's very hard to move students into different groups, have interactive centers and do any sort of collaboration because the rooms are so small." Opponents want the district to focus on renovations rather than rebuilding. They also take issue with the school board continuing to propose building project referenda after voters have rejected them in the past. The election occurs as the district and superintendent are undergoing an ethics investigation prompted by a complaint filed by critics of the bond project. They argue district officials should have registered as an official ballot question committee before paying for newspaper advertisements about last November's bond project. Cape voters also will weigh in on a proposed $36.3 million budget with a 2.9% property tax increase. They also get to share a nonbinding opinion on whether they find the budget too high, acceptable or too low. GORHAM In Gorham, the town's recent history of rejecting budgets, coupled with local advocacy against this year's proposal, could signal a close vote. In 2023, Gorham voters rejected two versions of the school budget before approving a third. Last year, the budget passed on the first try, but by only four votes. This year's budget, a $57.5 million school spending plan that represents a $4 million increase over last year, was approved by the school committee and town council unanimously. Superintendent Heather Perry said this year's budget includes the lowest tax rate increase in more than a decade, just 3.15%. "We believe this budget is fiscally responsible and still provides the high-quality educational program our families have come to expect in Gorham," Perry said. "The proposed budget is now in the hands of our voters on June 10. We will move forward positively regardless of the outcome. We encourage all Gorham residents to please get out and vote." Signs that have popped up around town encourage voters to reject the budget. They include messages like "raise test scores, not taxes" and have QR codes that lead to the website for the organization Gorham Watchdogs, which describes itself as a citizen journalism initiative "dedicated to uncovering the truth about school budgets, town politics and taxpayer accountability." That group is circulating a petition that opposes a budget tax hike, and one of its founding members, Ben Tuttle, exceeded the public comment time limit while reading a statement about rising school budgets and the declining student test scores at a May town council meeting. Tuttle collected signatures last year to force a school budget referendum recount, after which the budget passed by two votes. Other signs around town call on residents to vote yes on the budget, with messages like "adequate funding, quality education." OTHER COMMUNITIES In South Portland, early budget discussions were met with swift community opposition when Superintendent Tim Matheney revealed plans to lay off more than 20 employees to cut $5 million from the budget. The final budget approved by the school board totals $73.1 million, a 5.5% spending increase over last year, and contains cuts to nine full-time equivalent positions. Matheney announced his resignation Wednesday, citing friction with the school board during the budget process. South Portland won't vote on a controversial athletic complex bond Tuesday; the school board decided to put that referendum on a future ballot. The Gray-New Gloucester budget generated attention last month when a group of residents spoke out against a proposed axing of the high school's American Sign Language program. Residents of the two towns ultimately approved a $35.4 million budget with a cut to the ASL teacher position, after district officials said the teacher announced plans to retire and they were unable to find a replacement. Portland, the state's largest school district, will vote to fill an open school board seat in addition to weighing in on the $172 million budget. The two candidates are Cassidy LaCroix, a contractor and parent of a Portland elementary student, and Jayne Sawtelle, a retired Portland music teacher. Westbrook voters get to approve a $54 million school budget; last year a second referendum vote was required after voters rejected the first one. Falmouth will vote on a $52.4 million school budget with a 3.33% increased tax rate, a smaller increase than in recent years. MSAD 51, the district that includes Cumberland and North Yarmouth, will get to vote on a $54 million school budget and two school board seats. Yarmouth will elect two school committee members and vote on a $42.4 million budget. Voters from Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Arundel, the towns in RSU 21, will decide on a $62.6 million budget that represents a 5.5% increase over the current year's. And residents of Brunswick will vote on a $57.71 million school budget, which will result in an estimated 1.8% tax rate increase, and on an open school board seat. For more information about these upcoming votes, visit: Staff Writer Drew Johnson contributed reporting. Copy the Story Link
