MilkHouse is a multigenerational single-story residence with a lower-level walk-out, located on 165 acres in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The region is known for dairy farming and for some of the state’s most scenic and undisturbed locations.

Conceptually, the project is inspired by the white clapboard, single-story gable milk house found on dairy farms across the region. These agrarian outbuildings are typically barn-adjacent and function as storage spaces where milk is cooled before being transported to the market.

The house is sited on a rural, rolling landscape, anchored by a southern pond, and surrounded by a coniferous forest. The entry road is graced with 100-year-old maples which lead to the upper promenade guest parking then loops behind the house to the northern auto court and garage entry. The entry sequence from the guest parking is retained by an arcing stone wall creating the lower courtyard to the main entry.

MilkHouse is a series of three utilitarian gable structures linked with two single-story flat roof connectors. The composition of each gable form is organized to embody the arrival, living, and sleeping functions. The project reflects a shared living environment encompassing communal and private spaces. The first-floor plan consists of a two-car garage, entry foyer, powder room, sunroom, kitchen, living, dining, yoga space, office, and two primary suites. The lower floor walk-out contains exercise, playroom, bunkroom, bedroom, shared bathroom, and mechanical space.

The interior aesthetic is a minimalist palette of plaster walls and ceilings with flush trim details, oak floors, and natural stone. Spaces are quietly crafted with custom oak built-ins and furnishings, bespoke wallpaper, and a hand-painted custom kitchen with integrated cabinet pulls. Each space celebrates the natural daylight the windows afford and connects to the outdoors.

The project extensively promotes the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. MilkHouse conceptually connects with place and is designed for site integration. The familiar white clapboards and gable forms are directly inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region. The multigenerational occupant structure promotes connections with the larger family dynamic. The native plantings, pond, and vegetable gardens enhance habitat and provide food sources. The project is designed for water conservation and erosion control. All plumbing fixtures are low-volume and site rainwater is managed through a gutter and downspout collection system directed to an inground gravel dissipation area. The single-story, lower-level walk-out house is designed for economy and allows for ageing in place. MilkHouse is an all-electric heated and cooled home. An air-to-air heat pump system provides both heating and cooling with an additional air-to-water system providing radiant heat in the lower-level concrete floor. A ground-mounted 15k photovoltaic array provides an energy offset to the electrical power load. A plaster finish to interior walls and ceilings promotes a healthy indoor air environment. Triple pane windows and thermally-broken R40 walls & R60 roofs create an efficient building envelope. Local stones were sourced for countertops, along with local hardwoods for flooring and cabinetry. Local artisans handcrafted the project’s built-ins and kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.