A-Frame

A-Frame

Castleton, Vermont

Architect

Birdseye

Builder

Silver Maple Construction

Interior Design

Brooke Michelsen Design

Photography

Erica Allen
Ivar Bastress

Completed

2022

Type

Single-family Residence

Recognition

2024 Dwell​
2023 ArchDaily Español
2023 ArchDaily

A family vacation home nestled on the western shore of Lake Bomoseen in the foothills of the Green Mountains.

Architecture

Architecture

The primary A-Frame structure and its floor to ceiling glass is oriented toward the long view down the lake. A secondary articulated A-frame structure extends to the west and provides elevated views to the south from its upper roof deck.

The primary A-Frame structure and its floor to ceiling glass is oriented toward the long view down the lake. A secondary articulated A-frame structure extends to the west and provides elevated views to the south from its upper roof deck.

Interiors

Interiors

The interior spaces and large expanses of glass within the volumes reflect the dynamic quality of the A-frame structure.

The interior spaces and large expanses of glass within the volumes reflect the dynamic quality of the A-frame structure.

Inspiration

Inspiration

Conceptually, the project is inspired by the traditional lakeside mid-century A-frame cottage.

Conceptually, the project is inspired by the traditional lakeside mid-century A-frame cottage.

Programmatically, the house is designed for maximum lake views, access to the lake front, entry arrival and garage access. The plan is divided into two separate living spaces. The primary living space includes entry mudroom, powder room, utility, kitchen, dining, living, two-bedroom suite, primary bedroom suite, upper roof deck, and two car garage. The secondary living space includes a separate entry, living space, kitchen, dining and a two-bedroom suite with roof deck access.

AIA FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE A-Frame is designed and oriented specifically to its site, capturing natural light and lake views to the south, minimizing northern exposure, and referencing the adjacent bridge. The structure is set atop a concrete slab on grade, minimizing site excavation, floor framing, and finishes. The majority of the form is constructed of prefabricated roof panels built off-site and craned into place, speeding construction and minimizing waste. The building’s exterior consists primarily of highly-insulated roof panels along with cedarclad infill walls and thermally broken European tilt-turn windows, forming an efficient and performative envelope. The main living space incorporates an operable louver wall on the second floor, allowing for natural ventilation and lighting. Exterior wood slats provide passive shading for south facing windows, and fenestration is minimized on the north façade. In winter months, an efficient gas stove provides supplemental heating and fresh air exchange is mechanically delivered through a whole-house HRV system. The landscape preserves an existing wetland and minimizes plantings to create a natural and seamless connection to the lake shore

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3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye