olson kundig's vermont cabin brings its residents closer to nature, and each other

designed by tom kundig of olson kundig, this compact cabin in the US state of vermont seeks to bring family members closer to each other. embedded into the terrain of stowe, a region known for its trails and ski slopes, the residence has been conceived as an intimate gathering place amid the white pines and maple trees. the dwelling, which has an efficient 750-square-foot (70 sqm) footprint, presents an elemental, wilderness-inspired material palette of steel, wood, and concrete.

all images by aaron leitz

tom kundig divided the cabin’s interior into three distinct levels: the lowest portion nestles into the site and contains a garage that doubles as a game room, as well as a single bedroom and powder room; the middle story consists of the main entry, two small bedrooms and a bathroom; and the top level is one large living space. by locating the primary living accommodation on the upper level, the architects were able to maximize the home’s view of the surrounding mountains.

inside and out, materials are left in their raw states, with weathering steel external siding and exposed timber ceilings. the site’s continuous slope and an external steel stair allow for dual entries on the lower and middle levels. throughout, poured and cast concrete elements in the kitchen and bathrooms continue the cabin’s emphasis on straightforward, simple materials, with radiant heat incorporated in the concrete floors of the main living area.

‘the client brief called for a small, straightforward family cabin in the tradition of the vermont cabins they grew up with,’ explains tom kundig. ‘my goal was to carry on that legacy by creating a very special place that took inspiration from the landscape. this is an intentionally straightforward and economical cabin where the family can come together and take part in the adventure of engaging with the natural landscape just outside.’

project info:

name: vermont cabin
location: stowe, vermont, US
completed: 2018
project size: 2,250 sqf / 209 sqm
architecture firm: olson kundig
project team: tom kundig, FAIA, RIBA, design principal; dawn mcconaghy, project manager and project architect; ekram hassen, architectural staff; amanda chenoweth, interior design staff; phil turner, kinetic design
key consultants: gristmill builders, general contractor; grenier engineering, civil engineer; ambler design, landscape architect; silman, structural engineer
photography: aaron leitz