Deep within Vermont's rugged beauty, a city-dwelling family found their haven in the Green Mountains. Their quest was to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while embracing the breathtaking views that surrounded them. Perched atop a hillside, their home is a testament to harmonizing modern architecture with the wonders of nature.
The dwelling was thoughtfully positioned on the hillside to embrace the natural surroundings, allowing inhabitants to enjoy sunrise views, meadows, and woodlands, all blending seamlessly with the property's aesthetic. The natural terrain offered a canvas of sunrise vistas, meadows, forests, and the promise of hiking trails. The challenge was to embrace these elements simultaneously.
By partially embedding the structure into the hillside and adorning the rear facade with towering windows, the architecture opens up to the Western light. To the East, where the family retreat is primarily focused, a wall of glass presents a panorama that's nothing short of breathtaking. The Vermont climate, as diverse as it is unpredictable, presented a design challenge. A double-thick wall system was designed to insulate and protect the interior from the cold, heat, snow, and extreme winter conditions, ensuring a serene and cozy environment year-round.
The heart of the home, with its open kitchen, dining, and living room, is a study in modern elegance. Steel, wood, and plaster materials coexist, forming an environment where one can sit back on a plush couch and watch snowflakes fall or witness the trees transition through the seasons. The entire residence is designed on a single level with seamless access to the exterior.To accommodate remote work, the two-story central space houses an inspiring office area, accessed by a steel spiral staircase overlooking the curving entry hall. It's a creative retreat, a sanctuary for new ideas, and is the space where the client creates for a living.
A screened porch beneath the office space invites the family to enjoy the outdoors year-round, whether it's poolside, in the hot tub, or at the cozy firepit. The screened porch is the perfect answer to Vermont's summer evenings when the insects are out, allowing the family to live both indoors and outdoors. A two-story central space also addresses the need for privacy, setting apart the living and sleeping spaces.
Photography Kate Carter
Interior Design Volansky Studio
Builder Gyllenborg Construction
Structural Engineer Artisan Engineering
