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Terrapin

Terrapin

Woodstock, Vermont

01

Layered horizontal forms are stretched across a linear retaining wall and elevated by pillars, nestling the home into the hillside while allowing for distant valley views.

02

The interior of the house draws in the architectural palette of the exterior.

03

Set on a steep hillside, the home is lifted on concrete piers to preserve the natural grade, offering expansive views across the meadow and forested valley below.

About

A modern Vermont retreat.

The project program includes a 2-car garage, mudroom, powder room, laundry, living room, kitchen, screened porch, office, exercise room, 5 bedrooms, and a bunk room for grandchildren. Exterior features include a living room deck, primary suite deck, firepit, and hot tub.

The project design and construction capture the primary principles of the framework for design excellence. The integration of the architecture into the landscape connects the living experience to the context, elevating the overall connection to the environment. All landscape plantings are native and do not require watering. Rain capture for the project is all directed through roof collection boxes and downspouts. Water capture and erosion control is mitigated through a perimeter washed stone belt that receives the runoff. The exterior material palette of western red cedar is the predominant siding finish of the house, creating typical details that enhance efficiency. Terrapin is designed for a healthy indoor experience, implementing strategies such as a fresh air exchanger, operable windows, low VOC finishes, and filtered drinking water. The project HVAC is an electric-based heat pump system that is supported by a 15kw ground-mounted photo voltaic array. The building envelope is thermally broken. R40 walls and R60 roofs/floors with triple-pane window units contribute to a highly efficient building. The project is designed and built to be resilient and capable of sustaining extreme weather situations and fully operational with a power failure. The home is accessible through a deck gate and removable ramp.

Credit

Architecture

Birdseye

Building

Birdseye

Interior

Brooke Michelsen Design

Landscape

Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture

Photography

Michael Moran

Daniel J. Cardon

Completed

2022

Type

Single-family Residence

Recognition

2022 AIA VT Honor Award

2023 The Cedar Book XVI

2023 Architectural Record – Featured Houses

Est. 1984

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

802.434.2112

hello@birdseyevt.com

© 2025

Birdseye

Designed by Mikulak Design

Est. 1984

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

802.434.2112

hello@birdseyevt.com

© 2025

Birdseye

Designed by Mikulak Design

Est. 1984

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

802.434.2112

hello@birdseyevt.com

© 2025 Birdseye

Designed by Mikulak Design