DEWEY HILL HOUSE

Design Challenge:

This house is located on a narrow lot which drops off to one side and with a focused view to the west which captures the high peaks surrounding Mount Mansfield. The approach is also narrow entering off a shared driveway. One of the challenges was inserting the building in a way which put the focus on the main house while accommodating the garage at the approach. Another site constraint was the steeply sloping site to the north. Requested program elements included upper and lower level bedrooms and a guest suite above the garage.  

Design Solution:

The design solution included inserting the main massing of the house in line with the sloping topography. This allowed the massing of the house to extend toward the view corridor. This arrangement provided a walk out to grade along the main level living side of the house to the south and concurrently at the opposite side allowing a full walkout to the lower level. On the approach to the house the garage elevation is composed with shed dormers to create an appealing façade. This above garage space serves as an autonomous living space with its own entrance from the exterior. Upon entering the house from the mudroom connector, the great room opens to the views in the distance. The granite fireplace is a unifying element through all levels of the house with a wood stove at the lower level and a fireplace at both the living room and the upper level master bedroom. Exterior finishes consist of cedar clapboards, shingles and trim contrasted with Douglas-Fir brace accents.