The project is designed to enhance experiences and visual connections outdoors. RIDGELINE reflects a reverse living and front-loaded plan to fully maximize this concept. The living spaces, roof deck, and primary suite are located on the upper floor to capture the distant views to the southeast toward the Worcester range. Mountain views are also realized to the northwest, to the high peaks of Mount Mansfield. The ground floor program consists of the garage, mudroom, entry, family room, bunkroom, two ensuite bedrooms, and mechanical rooms. The ground floor entry courtyard is highlighted with an open roof structure wrapped with a planted roof garden above. The recreation room opens to the exterior ground terrace with hot tub and fire pit. Beyond the terrace, a switchback trail leads to a lower mountain stream. The house is sited in the northeast corner of the parcel to nestle the massing of the house into the landscape.

Conceptually, the house is designed to boldly reflect the mountain ridges that surround it. The siting of the house and distant landscapes inform the roof compositionally, rising to maximize views mimicking the distant high peak ridgelines and varying treetops of the site. The undulations of the roof are reflected in the ceilings of the second-floor interior spaces of the house, artfully creating a strong geometry with the vertical cadence of the window composition. Diagrammatically, the home is designed with a strong sense of arrival. The ground floor experience transitions from outside to inside and from ground floor to upper floor, which opens one up to dynamic views and light-filled living spaces. 

The interior palette of oak ceilings & floors mixed with plaster finishes are harmonious with the architecture and exemplify the craft of the project. Black painted window compositions are accentuated in the upper living volume, contrasting with the warm finishes and furnishings of the space. Custom furniture and cabinetry complement the elegance of the space and the natural light.

RIDGELINE promotes the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. The project is designed to connect with the mountainous region through site integration. Exterior material selection of western red cedar siding, metal clad dual pane insulated windows and doors, and a copper standing seam roof exemplify the project’s commitment to low maintenance and permanence. The project envelope is thermally broken and highly insulated with R40 walls and R60 roof. The project is designed for water conservation and erosion control. All plumbing fixtures are low-volume and site rainwater is managed through a gutter and downspout collection system. An air-to-air heat pump system provides cooling to the home. An energy star, high-efficient boiler provides heat. A fresh air exchanger and no-VOC interior finishes promote a healthy indoor air environment. Local craftspeople handcrafted the project’s built-ins and kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. Materials were sourced locally for stone countertops and hardwood flooring and cabinetry.