Modern Scandinavian

Set on a Vermont mountainside with views to a lake below, this home serves as a year-round retreat. It was designed for gathering family and friends. However, the owners brought a wish list with intentional contrasts. They wanted a modern home that still felt like a cottage. They also wanted large open spaces that remained comfortable and intimate. In addition, they envisioned a warm atmosphere built almost entirely from neutral tones.

To achieve these goals, the architecture uses a series of simple, clean volumes and steeply pitched roofs. As a result, the peaked forms create a familiar and welcoming character. At the same time, they help the roof shed Vermont’s heavy winter snow. By breaking the massing into smaller elements, the design softens the scale. Consequently, the house sits naturally within the landscape.

Inside, room sizes shift to support both gathering and retreat. For example, expansive living areas feature tall ceilings and large windows. These spaces open to sweeping lake and mountain views. Meanwhile, smaller rooms offer a different experience. Lower ceilings and exposed wood beams create spaces that feel enclosed and relaxed, balancing openness with comfort throughout.