Project Description

Perched on a natural stone outcrop amidst tangled trees and untouched woods, Morningstar Residence stands as a quiet presence in the Mad River Valley. Mountain breezes weave through a natural clearing in the trees, flowing between the home’s carefully composed volumes set into the sloped ground. The timeless silhouettes of the green mountains against the horizon frame the home’s relationship to the landscape of Vermont.

The home is divided into two distinct wings, each serving specific functions while responding differently to the site conditions. The private wing contains bedrooms and office space and is deliberately integrated into the slope. This volume is finished in black-charred wood siding with minimal glazing. The dark windows set into dark wood walls allow it to recede visually into the spaces between the trees. The design and material approach emphasize privacy and connection to the surrounding ground.

The public wing, in contrast, houses the kitchen, dining, and living areas in an elevated volume that appears to float above the landscape. This section of the house maximizes glazing to capture expansive views that reach outward to frame the sky, creating a dramatic contrast with the more grounded private spaces. The elevation of this wing above grade reinforces the experiential distinction between the public and private zones of the house.