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Through the Lens

Sanctuary

This energy-efficient building was built with locally available materials and by local artisans.

By Susan Teare
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Cushman Design Group Photo by Susan Teare

There are some shoots that I have done over the years that hold a special place in my heart.  This place is one of them.  You can tell when a home has been carefully and thoughtfully designed.  Sensing a deep connection to the spaces is challenging and exciting to convey in my photography.  This image feels warm, safe and comforting; shelter from the cold, outdoor environment and a nest for dreaming.  My client sent some wonderful information about the design concepts and materials used in the building of the house. See below and enjoy!

The owners of this new 1,850 sq. ft. three bedroom, 2-1/2 bath rural Vermont contemporary cottage requested a highly energy-efficient building using as many locally available materials and craftsmen as possible. Three narrow levels are stacked on a basic 16 x 38 footprint to make efficient use of the sloping site and to connect all habitable rooms to the views and natural daylight of each solar direction. Simple roof forms with wide overhangs provide summer shading and long term protection of the wood siding while serving to ground the building as a wide “cap.” A screened-in porch off of the dining area, and a deck off of the living room extend the home’s connection to the site.  All natural wood surfaces — custom built Eastern White Pine cabinets, vanities and shelving, floors, window and door casing, running trim, stair treads and risers, as well as Heart Pine countertops are treated with an environmentally benign polymerized tung oil and without any oil-based urethanes.  This cottage responded to the clients’ programmatic requests within a restricted construction budget, met energy efficiency goals, and is a fun and delightful, meditative and creative “sanctuary” for the owner and their guests.

Cushman Design Group

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