Island Projects, Revisited

28 January 2026

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Over the years, OPAL has completed a number of projects in the Penobscot Bay. Because of the remote nature of these projects, many members of the staff hadn’t yet had the opportunity to see these sites in person—until now! Due for an office retreat, we got out of the studio and onto the water to see the islands and celebrate summer in Maine.

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First stop: Hurricane Island

OPAL began working with the Hurricane Island Foundation in 2013, starting with a master plan for the island and evolving into the design for a field research station, recently built by our sister company, Notch. Constructed using CLT mass timber panels craned into place from a barge, this field station will support diverse scientific research activities. Elevated 10+ feet above a historic granite pier in order to comply with FEMA flood plane regulations, the building was designed to withstand hurricane force winds and wave action.

Next up: Vinalhaven

After a quick hike and a boat to Vinalhaven, we stopped at a seasonal cabin project comprised of two opposing shed roofed structures clad in a bleached white cedar. We chatted with the owners and their dog before making the drive to Little House on the Ferry.

Final stop: Little House on the Ferry

Despite its diminutive size, Little House has come to represent OPAL in many ways. Built a decade ago, it remains emblematic of our design values: compact, durable, and deeply rooted in its coastal site. It was great to visit (or revisit, for some!) these older projects to see they have been lovingly cared for over the years as they weather and become embedded in their surroundings.