Vista House is a mountainside private residence located in a remote forest in the Green Mountains of Vermont. A concrete lower level anchors the house into the hillside, allowing the black cedar-clad upper level to float above the landscape, with large expanses of glass framing wide panoramic views to the valley below. The arrival sequence begins by ascending an angled steel bridge which ramps up to the main level over a lowered forecourt, before arriving in a transparent foyer, which frames views through the center of the house. Conceived as an extruded frame, the upper volume is wrapped with rough sawn board-and-batten cladding in one direction, and capped with vertical shiplap in the other. Extending to the west, a vaulted shed roof volume contains common spaces, with the master suite, foyer, screen porch, and garage housed under the adjoining flat roof. The lower level consists of three guest suites, a sitting room, media room, kitchenette, and utility spaces. An intimate breakfast nook, cantilevered deck, seasonal screen porch, and lower level terrace combine with expansive views to connect the building with its dramatic surroundings.
The interiors reflect a subtle and reductive architectural palette, highlighting elements of wood, stone, and steel. Deep punched windows and built-in casework accentuate the thick, angular frame that wraps the upper volume, contrasting with the warm oak ceilings and floors within. A central staircase clad in rough black cedar and cascading white oak treads links the interiors at the core of the house.
View Original