Perched on a hillside in Cornwall, Vermont, the Milo House, designed by Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design, immerses itself in its natural surroundings, offering a unique Vermont getaway. This sanctuary was crafted for a couple transitioning from Boston, named charmingly after their dog.
Exploring the Vermont Retreat Experience
The architectural vision was dictated by its environment. The site’s orchards, canopy of trees, and sweeping western views towards the Adirondack Mountains influenced every detail. The house consists of a series of irregular, offset structures that appear organically integrated into the hillside rather than imposed upon it, creating a true hideaway experience.
Similar to Vermont’s seamless integration with its landscape, explore the Shenzhen Museum’s design that melds with its natural surroundings.
The exterior’s uniqueness lies in its material composition. Clad in Nakamoto Forestry’s Gendai® yakisugi, a charred Japanese cedar, the façade enhances durability and exudes an earthy aesthetic. This single-brushed surface, revealing the wood grain beneath the carbonized layer, mimics natural bark. Herrmann emphasizes this, stating, “We love working with materials that have texture, patina, and depth.” Every element contributes to the sanctuary’s atmosphere.
The philosophy of time and nature is embodied in the yakisugi. Designed to age gracefully, the material transforms with time, resonating with the clients’ values of slow living and remote work. Herrmann highlights their acceptance of a dynamic, evolving material, which mirrors the house’s connection to its environment, further defining this as a quintessential Vermont escape.
Inside, the house transitions into expansive, light-infused spaces. The design ensures effective cross-ventilation and carefully curated views that harmonize with, rather than overshadow, the landscape. The property includes a detached sauna clad in the same yakisugi siding, completing the refuge-like atmosphere, emphasizing the home’s intent to blend seamlessly with nature rather than to dominate it.
The blend of architecture and nature in Vermont’s retreat parallels Lima House’s organic design in São Paulo, where urban and natural elements coexist harmoniously.
This masterpiece from Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design represents a thoughtful approach to architecture, creating a refuge that evolves and breathes with its surroundings, truly showcasing what a Vermont residence can be.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials are used on the Milo House exterior?
The exterior is clad in Nakamoto Forestry’s Gendai® yakisugi, a charred Japanese cedar, which enhances durability and exudes an earthy aesthetic.
How does the design of the Milo House integrate with nature?
The house consists of a series of irregular, offset structures that organically integrate into the hillside, with expansive, light-infused spaces and carefully curated views that harmonize with the landscape.
What architectural philosophy does the Milo House reflect?
The Milo House embodies a philosophy of time and nature, using materials like yakisugi that age gracefully, resonating with values of slow living and a dynamic connection to the environment.