Shaw Hill
Awards: 2015 American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter: Excellence in Architecture Design Award, Honor Level
Located in Stowe, Vermont, Shaw Hill house—the original “Right House” (Harry Hunt’s own)—reflects core Vermont values, including simplicity, integrity, natural beauty and environmental respect. The intent of the design is to create meaningful, regionalist architecture from the opportunities and constraints inherent in green home construction.
The extent to which Harry achieved this intent was realized in 2015, when the Right House v1.0 was recognized by the American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter with an Excellence in Architecture Design Award at the Honor Level. The jury said, “It’s beautifully composed—a simple and familiar form enriched with a contemporary covered wraparound gallery that provides shade from the sun and extends the space of the house. Very convincing, revealing a high level of design control from interior to exterior.”
Sustainable materials, many of them locally sourced, are prevalent throughout the Shaw Hill house. A mixed exterior of Galvalume-finished steel and rough-sawn pine siding provides long-lasting protection from Vermont’s harsh winters, while creating a modern industrial-like aesthetic. Inside, dyed polished concrete, red birch, and green slate finishes come together and exude a subdued, soothing color palette.
Sited to optimize passive solar gains, the Shaw Hill house includes Passive House principles and is Efficiency Vermont Certified: High Performance. Once set up with solar panels, the south-facing shed roof will provide net-zero annual energy usage. In short, Shaw Hill (Right House v1.0) is a four-bedroom, 2½ bath, 2,750 sq. ft. model of low-carbon living designed without concessions to beauty.
