Through the Lens

Tranquility

Inspired by Japanese architecture, this home also exceeds Vermont Energy Star standards.

By Susan Teare
Cushman Design Group Photo by Susan Teare

The clients’ vision for this home was to allow the influence of their exposure to the historic architecture of Japan, to create tranquil spaces inside and outside the building form that would meld into the natural beauty of the site. The deep and bracketed hipped roofs create shadows and broken horizontal lines. The deeply textured siding and roof materials, natural colors and asymmetrical forms echo the picturesque quality of the landform, into which the house has been carefully placed.  The house exceeds the Vermont Energy Star standards by using energy efficient appliances, high efficiency Viessmann boilers, and a tightly sealed and insulated building envelope.

Cushman Design Group

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Anchor Bolt Marker

Quickly transfer anchor bolt locations to mud sill stock without measuring mistakes.
Buy at Amazon

100-ft. Tape Measure

Laying out mudsills and foundations for new homes and additions requires a bigger tape measure than your everyday carry.
Buy at Amazon

Plate Level

A plate level allows to you plumb walls accurately because it registers off the plates without touching potentially warped or twisted studs. This one can reach the plates on 12-ft. tall walls.
Buy at Amazon
×

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. Hammah | | #1

    Inspiring! Would love to see more!

  2. user-6414855 | | #2

    Is this the only picture to be shown? Need more.

  3. Gomerica1 | | #3

    Why not more content? No photos, no description of how the home is so energy efficient, nothin'....

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Through the Lens

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Eight Common Electrical Myths and Mistakes

Dangerous electrical work and widespread misconceptions cause fires, deaths, and $1.5 billion in property damage annually.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Video

View All Videos
View All

Energy Efficiency

View All Energy Efficiency Articles
View All Energy Efficiency Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Membership & Magazine

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.