BRIBURN – Architecture for Life

Name: BRIBURN – Architecture for Life
Address: 28 Maple St., Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Telephone: +1 207-774-8482
Rating: 5

8 Reviews

Architects

2 Verified Hires

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About Us

Eco-friendly

9x Best of Houzz winner

Evening consultations

Maine’s Leading Architecture Firm Specializing In Energy Efficiency

Briburn is committed to creating innovative, energy efficient, green solutions for residential, commercial, Institutional and civic projects that artfully reflect our client’s needs and interests. Until recently, BRIBURN was the Green Design Studio of Yarmouth Maine. Near the end of 2012 Christopher Briley and Harry Hepburn partnered to form a new company with increased architectural abilities and experience in a wider range of project types. For seven years, the Green Design Studio specialized in energy efficient, environmentally friendly design, and completed several high performance projects (including the first LEED Gold certified home in New England). Now, as BRIBURN, the commitment to sustainable design is even greater. We understand the many tasks required to create a successful project, we are thoughtful, innovative thinkers, often developing unique ideas specific to your projects needs. Currently BRIBURN is completing a passivhaus / net zero home in Saco, a sustainable Veterinary Clinic in Cumberland, a Net Zero home in Parsonsfield, as well as several other sustainable residential projects. Design Philosophy: “architecture for life” is the creation of architecture that is timeless, environmentally friendly, beautiful, and long-lasting. Architecture that focuses on the experiences of the building’s occupants, enhancing their daily lives with natural daylight, excellent ventilation, and delightful spaces that engage their artful minds, architecture that is mindful of our finite resources and respectful of the natural environment. It is architecture that will stand the test of time by being very durable, simple to operate, economical to maintain, and beautiful.

Services Provided

Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Building Design, Custom Homes, Energy-Efficient Homes, Green Building, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, New Home Construction, Sustainable Design, Green Design, Passive House Design, Net Zero Design, LEED Certification

Areas Served

Cape Elizabeth, Chebeague Island, Cliff Island, Cousins Island, Cumberland Center, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Falmouth Foreside, Gorham, Little Falls, Littlejohn Island, Long Island, Old Orchard Beach, Peaks Island, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Freeport, South Portland, South Portland Gardens, South Windham, West Scarborough, Westbrook, Windham, Yarmouth, Southern Maine, Mid Coast Maine, New England, Central Maine, Maine, New Hampshire, Cumberland County, York County, Sagadahoc County, Lincoln County, Oxford County, Knox County, Waldo County, Androscoggin County, Kennebec County, Hancock County, Camden, Bay Harbor, Kennebunkport, Rockland, Brunswick, Harpswell, Bethel, Kingsfield, Portsmouth

19 Projects

Maquoit Bay

Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in Portland Maine.

New Hampshire Lake House

Photo of a country exterior in Portland Maine.

Business Details

Business Name

BRIBURN – Architecture for Life

Phone Number

+1 207-774-8482

Website

www.briburn.com

Address

28 Maple St.
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101

Typical Job Cost

USD 500,000 - USD 3,000,000

License Number

ARC2788

Followers

222 Followers

Socials

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8 Reviews for BRIBURN – Architecture for Life

Newest first

Porter Erkkinen

After interviewing three other architects in 2017 for our aging-in-place, energy efficient modern house project, we chose Harry Hepburn from Briburn. To date we are very glad we did. We chose him because he listened to us; other architects saw the property and started mentally designing without our input. He not only listened but asked many questions, especially during the long design process and our hunt for the right builder. His design is exactly what we wanted and had imagined. On this longer than expected journey, Harry has been a superb source for advice, clarification, and knowledge with a special knack for remaining calm and professional under all circumstances. This is no small feat. As we begin to wind down this project, Harry is helping to make punch lists, provide much needed advice, and act as our advocate in dealing with a dilatory builder. He is unafraid to speak up when needed and we have been very grateful for his interventions. Anyone who chooses to use Harry Hepburn as their architect will have a gifted designer and strong partner for the duration. Yes he is expensive but well worth it, especially for people like us with a limited knowledge of home building and design.

January 18, 2020

David Backer

Chris and Harry were consummate professionals and were a pleasure to work with. They designed a house for me to build on a relatively small lot with tight zoning restrictions on size, setback and height. They were impressively available and responsive throughout the design and building process. I first spoke with Chris by telephone before I purchased the lot to get a sense of whether the lot would be able to accommodate a house of the size I envisioned. Chris made a site visit to the lot the next day to confirm that there were no impediments to us going forward with a design and construction. With his confirmation that there were no insurmountable obstacles, I purchased the lot and we began our design process together. I came to them with a general vision for what I wanted, and with a more certain vision of what I didn't want. Chris helped me refine the vision, he made creative suggestions, and designed a house that was beyond my expectations - - beautiful to look at, a pleasure to live in, energy efficient, practical, and a constant source of complements from my neighbors and friends. I was sensitive to building a new house in an well-established ocean side neighborhood, and wanted to build a modern version of a classic Maine cottage. Chris captured that goal perfectly. It always makes me proud to hear neighbors say that the house fits it perfectly on the street. Chris and Harry were flexible in working with me on the scope of the project and the pricing. I couldn't be more pleased. The experience makes me want to build another house just so I can work with them again. I highly recommend them.

November 24, 2017

Kate Anker

The Briburn team was wonderful to work with. They listened to our needs and built an amazing addition and really did a full house remodel with our needs in mind. Check out the before and after photos!!

August 31, 2017

Paige Carter

The Briburn team was wonderful to work with - professional but friendly, great recommendations without overstepping, total respect and vision for what I wanted, and most of all - an incredibly beautiful house design. They dealt with some tough issues and never left my side!

August 14, 2017

chteel

I hired Harry Hepburn of Briburn to design our new kitchen, and redesign the upstairs of our home (add an additional bathroom and master closet). He is very professional and easy to work with, and had a lot of interesting and innovative design options. We will definitely work with BRIBURN in the future.

March 10, 2015

nancybogg

Because of their commitment to energy efficiency, we selected Briburn Architecture to design our home. Our small lot in the heart of the city had a number of restrictions to consider. We started the process of the design by bringing our wish list of interior spaces and rooms as well as photos (from Houzz) of modern and low maintenance exteriors and materials. The architect, Harry Hepburn, was our main contact as we worked as a team to design the house sited to maximize views, solar gain, budget, etc. Harry was a delight to work with and we are thrilled with the final design. As we are currently obtaining contractor bids, Briburn has been very helpful in educating us and the contractors with building methods and materials used. They continue to be an excellent resource, backed with experience and research as needed. We have enjoyed the process and highly recommend them as easy to work with, collaborative and competent. Nancy and Mark

March 1, 2015

lsudlow

I hired architect Chris Briley of Briburn - architecture for life and stipulated that I wanted a small, energy-efficient house that made good use of every available inch and stayed within an affordable budget. The result was a passive house design that fulfilled most of my wishes – super insulated with double wall construction and partially built into the ground; large triple-paned south-facing windows; a loft that serves the triple purpose of office, guest room and library; and an attached greenhouse to grow edible veggies all year round. We used materials from the site whenever possible (boards from trees that had to come down, stone from the site), and recycled materials like slate for countertops. Some compromises were made to keep it within budget but the end result is my dream house. Chris was enthusiastic about my project and great to work with and helpful throughout the building project.

February 27, 2015

kremerglass

We took on Briburn for a substantial new residential project on the basis of their website and their stated philosophy, and a 2 hour interview/discussion. As our first and only choice, they clearly stood out among a dozen other architects in the area. We are in the midst of planning now and the process is almost painless. Their guidance is gentle and considerate; their knowledge of "green" building practices is vast. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next steps in this adventure with Briburn.

February 26, 2015

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30 Comments

Commented: what paint color is this please?Sorry we dodn't have the paint chip name or number on this paint color.

January 6, 2023

Commented: Those Cabinet ColorsThank you, glad to hear that you like it. It's a great kitchen. We developed the plan layout, the elevations, cabinet arrangement, and appliance locations. The owner then worked with a local kitche...

September 22, 2020

Commented: Can you please tell me if columns are wrapped in wood or synthetic?They are wrapped in a composite trim material called Boral TruExterior. It is a "polyash" product made from fly ash in a polymer resin then painted. Cheers Chris

September 6, 2020

Commented: was the thermally treated wood sealed?The siding is untreated. If one wanted to hang on to the un-weathered look for longer one could use a sealer, but I would get that recommendation directly from the Thermally treated wood manufacturer.

September 30, 2018

Commented: Love this! What is the wood siding and what color is painted siding?Hi James, the wood siding is by Cambia. It’s thermally modified poplar. The painted siding is by Boral and it’s painted dark bronze to match the window and door color.

August 7, 2018

Commented: What wood did you use for the walk, posts, and overhead?Thank you. The decking is FSC certified IPE. The posts, beams and ceilings are douglas fir.

March 13, 2018

BRIBURN – Architecture for Life