Context
The original home in northern Vermont was one of a kind: it had been built in 1985 by an 85-year-old builder, and it was a equipped for passive solar energy. The young family that purchased the home loved its energy efficiency and mountaintop location, but it needed a new mudroom, kitchen, home office, carport, and covered entry. We sought to capitalize on the home’s existing strengths while making smart renovation decisions that would help this unique home survive the freezing Vermont winter.
Response
We designed an expansive Red Cedar deck that captures every bit of the afternoon sun so the family can spend warmer days outdoors enjoying dramatic views of the White Mountains. We retained the existing massive butcher block island in the kitchen, wrapping it with new Vermont soapstone counters, a commercial range, and custom-made tractor seat barstools. The owner runs his business from the home office, which spreads its wings above a rustic hand-crafted stone base, creating a protected mountaintop aerie with unstoppable views.
