C O T T A G E

C ATTAI L

CHALLENGES :

1. The former ‘turn of the last century’ cottage was charming in scale, but the structure was in an advanced state of decay with a roof one winter away from collapse. 2. A limited grandfathered footprint with minimal expansion capability. Addition square feet were limited to a diagonal cut that created a challenging triangular addition. (see page 6 diagram)3. The clients wanted to maximize the space but could not afford a full second floor.4. The rot and decay of the roof was discovered by the architect after the sale. They were removed and a new structure was created on the old footprint, plus the small triangular addition.5. The contemporary aesthetic desired by the clients was challenged by the need to increase the budget to be used for unanticipated structural repairs. (The challenges were space, more space than they could afford, contemporary design features that are generally more costly, more expensive structural repairs than anticipated.6. We challenged ourselves to create custom furnishings to provide the clients with unique features based on the price of equivalent commodities (sinks, desks, benches, etc).

GOALS :

1. Create a super efficient space on the minimal grandfathered footprint that feels spacious, comfortable, and inviting.2. With less than 1,000 sq ft of living space, fit two bedrooms with a full bath, powder room, and new kitchen within an open concept living area.3. Maximize opportunities to experience the extraordinary site.4. Maximize frugality, sustainable design, spaciousness, utility and a contemporary aesthetic inspired by regional character while minimizing cost

SOLUTION FEATURES :

1. The design embraces the diagonal setback with an angled bay window. Bay windows almost always confer an added dimension to a room. In this case the angle occurs in both plan AND section, adding 30” of space at the ceiling. The window seat adds scale to the window wall and completes the conversation circle of the living room ^P[O�TPUPTHS�ZWHJL��;OL�WSHU�SPTP[�H[�[OL�ÅVVY�YLZWLJ[Z�[OL�aVUPUN�ZL[IHJR�^OPSL�[OL�[PS[�VM�[OL�IH`�^PUKV^�HKKZ�interior space under the roof overhang. The window seems to reach out and embrace the scenic vista of the lake in an unexpected and delightful way.2. The bay window uses an extensive amount of glazing that is vulnerable to the weather coming off the lake. We clad the bay window elements in aluminum, which afforded a similar durability to the commercial windows and KVVYZ� [OH[�^LYL�\ZLK�LSZL^OLYL�� �;OL�UH[\YHS�ÄUPZOLK�HS\TPU\T�YLÅLJ[LK� [OL�JVSVY�VM� [OL� SHRL�HUK�WYV]PKLK�H�delightful contrast to the wood siding at the bay window. Consequently we used the aluminum on the south wall to integrate the side light doors and transom windows in a scale that echoed the bay window.3. We conceived custom designed and built items for less than conventional furnishings. As an example, we developed a design for a zinc sinks can be custom fabricated for under 200 dollars each. The weathered zinc was easily folded around the wood frame supplied by the general contractor and the joints were soldered smoothly by the fabricator.4. The rough-sawn rainscreen siding was composed of random width bands were aligned with the top and bottoms VM�THQVY�^HSS�HWLY[\YLZ���;OL�YL]LHSZ�H[�[OL�Z\YYV\UKZ�^LYL�ÄUPZOLK�PU�TH[JOPUN�JVSVY�HS\TPU\T�ÅHZOPUN�PU�H�^H`�that was integrated with the wall more than applied. The siding was fastened over strapping which also secured a continuous layer of “out-sulation” that supplemented the wall cavity cellulose.

AIA Vermont Design Awards 2011

C AT TA I L C O T TA G E : O U T L I N E

Project type : ResidenceSize : 987 Square Feet of Habitable AreaProgram : 2 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath CottageResponsibility of the Architect / Team : Design, Custom Furnishing, Bidding and Construction ConsultationLocation : Lake Bomoseen, Hubbardton, VermontType of client : Private ResidenceCompletion date : May 2010Total construction cost : $230,000

Aspiring to a “Dwell Magazine” aesthetic with a modest budget, the clients desired a super efficient space within a grandfathered footprint of under 1000 square feet.

Each entrance was designed as the beginning of a sequence in which the walls, windows, and doors were placed to encourage spatial interest. The primary flow through the house was intended to transition from the hustle of Route 30 to the calming, scenic lake view.

A large front door leads into a generous hall flanked by bedrooms on either side. On the road side, bedrooms with small clerestory windows afford indirect light and cross ventilation without sacrificing privacy. High ceilings and lofted storage throughout the house add to the spacious feel of a clutter-free home. The upper level bridges two spaces under the vaulted roof. The room ahead is illuminated by natural light on three sides, each framing different views: an open grassy space to the south, an expansive lake view to the west, and a shaded screened-in porch to the north.

Within the main living area, the externally angled bay windows are tilted slightly over the shoreline and incorpo-rate space that is normally outside under the roof overhang. This gesture adds more interior space at the narrow end of the house while conveying a more compelling connection to the lake. Credit for this single most distinctive feature goes to a rigorous adherence to the zoning limit; proving once again that challenges bring opportunities.

Reclamation, reuse, and restrictions provided the framework of this project. By utilizing a minimalist approach to design, Cattail Cottage is a timeless example of how “Less is More.”

AIA Vermont Design Awards 2011

CATTAIL COTTAGE : DESCRIPTION

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Our original design had a vast amount of space that subsequent designs were motivated to convey within a much tighter footprint. In retrospect, the angled bay window gave us the inspiration for so much of what the house is. This synergy inspires us to rediscover: “Less is More.”

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Windows and doors from the original cottage were reused as internal windows and kitchen cabinet doors.

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Original floors were dismantled and reused in the new cottage, the patched areas hint at the original floorplan.

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Siding and trim were sourced from local lumber mills.

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Custom concrete kitchen counters and bathroom shelves were made by Vermont artisans.

Locally fabricated aluminum belt helps protect against ice build-up in Vermont’s intense winters.

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The rough-sawn wood trim on the interior matches the exterior siding which was sourced from a local lumber mill.

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� Upper cabinets utilized the exterior windows from the original cottage. Other original windows and doors were reused in other interior applications.

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� Raised Kick Cabinet drawers made good use of wasted space in traditional cabinets. They are faced with weathered zinc and large handles that are easily opened with most footwear.

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� During summer days the kitchen window may be used to pass food, drinks, and conversation to someone on the porch.

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� The ladder leads to a writing loft above the living areas. This gracious loft overlooks the main living space and one of the bedrooms.

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� Small windows on the North-East elevation provide privacy from Route 30 as well as indirect light and a connection to the outside.

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� A wall length mirror makes the efficient bathrooms feel spacious.

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� The back wall of the shower is made of hand-tooled marble tile. Expensive materials were used sparsely where they would have the greatest impact on the experience of the space.

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� Ample storage in the loft space keeps clutter off of the main floor and out of mind.

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Ultimately, architecture is the means by which we view and inhabit our environment. It is our core belief that buildings should not overpower, nor reduce the environment to a greater extent than necessary.