Vermont

Cantilever House

Cantilever House reinterprets the classic Vermont camp with a straightforward, durable construction approach with the goal of maximizing lake views while keeping a low profile in the landscape.

Cantilever House reinterprets the classic Vermont camp with a straightforward, durable construction approach with the goal of maximizing lake views while keeping a low profile in the landscape.

Excavating into the hillside without sacrificing the sightlines to the lake took careful grading, foundation work, and exact placement of structural elements to maintain stability and maximize views.

Excavating into the hillside without sacrificing the sightlines to the lake took careful grading, foundation work, and exact placement of structural elements to maintain stability and maximize views.

A two-level, lakeside home that stretches out toward the water. Includes dual-volume layout with recessed lower level, cantilevered upper volume facing the lake, shed roofs and orthogonal massing, full-height lakeside glazing, minimalist interior with concrete, wood, and steel finishes, outdoor terrace shaded by cantilever, and site-sensitive landscaping.

Cantilever House was set deep into the hillside slope for privacy and energy efficiency, with a main living floor projecting outward to capture lake views.

The home was designed and built for longevity and low maintenance, while keeping a warm and simple feel throughout. Simple shed roofs and a clean, rectangular layout made framing and waterproofing more efficient, while allowing the structure to sit lightly on the site. Full-height glazing on the lake side opens up the interiors, connecting the main living space directly to the outdoors. Meanwhile, the cantilevered upper volume provides built-in shading and privacy for the spaces below. Inside, the team used simple, durable materials like concrete floors, natural wood, and exposed steel. The final result is a well-built, practical retreat that respects the lakeside camp tradition, updated with modern performance and craft.

Architect

Birdseye

Builder

Birdseye

Woodwork

Birdseye

Metalwork

Birdseye

Sitework

Birdseye

Landscape

Wagner Hodgson

Photography

Jim Westphalen Photography

Completed

2012

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye

3104 Huntington Road


Richmond, Vermont 05477

©2025

Birdseye