Gemini Cafe & Bakery
from bank to bakery
Location Bethel, ME
Year Completed 2022
Gross Floor Area 3,904 sq ft
Architect SRL Architects
Maine Passive House partnered with the Gemini Cafe & Bakery team in Bethel to transform a former KeyBank into a vibrant, modern bakery. Early on, we guided the project toward a deep energy retrofit — achieving high-performance efficiency without significant additional costs. The bakery operates fully on electric power, eliminating on-site fossil fuel use, and is notable as our first project with an 800 Amp electrical service. Built on a tight budget, much of the project's success came from the owners and community contributing with lots of sweat equity.
Features
100% Electric Bakery
Deep Energy Retrofit
Air source heat pumps for heating and cooling
Preservation of original windows with added Window Dresser Inserts
Passive House Elements
ERV for balanced ventilation and superior indoor air quality
Mitsubishi Airsource Heat Pumps for heating and cooling
Proclima Airsealing products for Airtight Construction
Carbon Conscious Choices
Cellulose Insulation
Reuse of existing materials wherever possible