Vermont Cabin | Olson Kundig

This compact cabin in rural Vermont emerges from its hillside site, rising into the white pines and maples to establish an intimate gathering place in the trees. Intended to bring family members closer to one another and to the forests of central Vermont, where the family has owned land for generations, the cabin’s 750-square-foot footprint is an efficient and economical framework for the family to experience the heavily wooded landscape. An elemental material palette of steel, wood and concrete draws inspiration from the untouched wilderness all around.

The cabin is composed of three levels: the lowest portion nestles into the site and contains a garage that doubles as a game room, as well as a single bedroom and powder room; the middle portion consists of the main entry, two small bedrooms and a bathroom; and the top level is one large living area. Locating the main living spaces on the upper level maximizes views of the Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester Range to the east. A single continuous stair of steel and maple hardwood connects all three levels.

Inside and out, materials are left in their raw states, with weathering steel external siding and exposed timber ceilings. The site’s continuous slope and an external steel stair allow for dual entries on the lower and middle levels. Throughout, poured and cast concrete elements in the kitchen and bathrooms continue the cabin’s emphasis on straightforward, simple materials, with radiant heat incorporated in the concrete floors of the main living area.

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Project Size: 2,250 SF

Project Team: Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal; Dawn McConaghy, Project Manager and Project Architect; Ekram Hassen, Architectural Staff; Amanda Chenoweth, Interior Design Staff; Phil Turner, Kinetic Design

Key Consultants: Gristmill Builders, General Contractor; Grenier Engineering, Civil Engineer; Ambler Design, Landscape Architect; Silman, Structural Engineer