Overview
American studio Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design constructed the Milo House in Cornwall, Vermont, utilizing charred-cedar cladding. The design objective was to integrate the residence with its surrounding wooded landscape.
Research Context
The Milo House project addresses the architectural challenge of establishing a dwelling in a rural, verdant environment. The site in Cornwall, Vermont, is characterized by orchards, woods, and distant views, necessitating a design approach that considers the natural context. The house was designed to accommodate a couple and their dog, Milo, who were relocating from Boston.
Approach
Elizabeth Herrmann Architecture + Design employed burnt-cedar cladding as a primary material for the exterior of the Milo House. This material choice was intended to achieve a "bark-like exterior."
Findings
The application of charred-cedar cladding resulted in a "bark-like exterior" for the Milo House. This exterior finish contributed to the house's ability to blend with the wooded terrain of rural Vermont.
Why This Matters
The use of charred wood demonstrates a method for integrating architectural structures into natural environments. This approach may offer aesthetic and functional benefits for buildings situated in forested or rural settings.