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especially influential . “ We were on the forefront of green architecture before it was widely recognized ,” Hunt says . This experience , along with his exposure to site-specific design ( in which the landscape and location heavily influence the architectural style ) also shaped his design philosophy .
At Harry Teague Architects , Hunt worked on several large , high-profile public spaces and projects , such as the Center for the Arts in Jackson Hole , Wyoming . “ What I learned from Harry Teague was the importance of vernacular architecture — understanding the architecture of a place and elevating it ,” explains Hunt . These lessons would guide him as he returned to Vermont in 2005 and established Harry Hunt Architects .
Since founding his own firm , Hunt has developed a distinctive approach to architecture that merges modern sustainability with traditional Vermont and New England regional and vernacular design elements . His proprietary process , “ The Right House ,” is rooted in the belief that every home should be a unique reflection of the client and the site . “ I take clients ’ input and then visit their sites to observe the lighting , the landscape and other aspects ,” says Hunt . “ It ’ s only after I ’ ve considered all of this information that I create the initial design for each project .”
Simplicity and efficiency are central aspects of Hunt ’ s overarching architectural philosophy . Drawing from Vermont ’ s vernacular architecture , Hunt incorporates practical design elements that were inherently energy-efficient , developed long before the rise of modern technologies . “ A simple structure is easier to heat and more practical for Vermont ’ s cold winters ,” shares Hunt .
To that end , he encourages clients to prioritize straightforward designs , avoiding unnecessary complexities in favor of functionally-sound structures that are both aesthetically-pleasing and energy-efficient .
Hunt ’ s approach to sustainable architecture has continually evolved , complemented by the emergence of recent technological advancements , which he incorporates into every home he designs . “ Today , we use super-insulated walls , heat pumps , and balanced ventilation systems that ensure homes are airtight while providing fresh air . In the last few years , I ’ ve pushed the sustainable envelope even further by using low-carbon materials and construction methods and designing all-electric homes that produce more energy than they use .” Importantly , these technological upgrades do not compromise the appeal and visual impact of the homes , allowing Hunt to seamlessly blend the timeless appeal of Vermont ’ s architectural traditions with groundbreaking sustainable tech .
One of the notable highlights from Hunt ’ s Vermont portfolio is the Smugglers ’ Notch property , a 3,350 sq . ft . modern farmhouse located near Smugglers ’ Notch Resort . This award-winning home , designed with both energy efficiency and aesthetics in mind , serves as a marvelous example of Hunt ’ s thoughtful design process . “ The best views at the Smugglers ’ Notch home are to the north , but the sun is to the south . So , we placed a row of windows high on the south-facing wall to allow sunlight to flood the space without compromising the view .” This brilliant design maximizes solar gain while maintaining the natural beauty of the site . The home ’ s mixed-material exterior , which features rust-patinated sheet steel and clapboard siding , creates a striking , yet complementary visual statement against the surrounding landscape . Inside , local Vermont materials such as maple floors and cherry cabinetry add warmth that balances the modern design elements . “ The maple floors are sourced locally ,” says Hunt . “ We always try to use local wood and stone as much as possible .”
The Smugglers ’ Notch home was designed to meet Efficiency Vermont Certified High Performance standards , incorporating Passive House principles . The home ’ s large south-facing roof allows for solar panels that make the home capable of achieving net-zero energy usage . “ We were able to take energy efficiency even further with heat pumps and geothermal systems ,” adds Hunt .
Though Hunt ’ s architectural achievements speak for themselves , his recognition within the architectural community underscores the lasting impact of his contributions . His firm has earned several awards , including two accolades from the Vermont Builders & Remodelers Association : Best Single Family Home , and Best Energy-Efficient Single Family Home , for the Smugglers ’ Notch project . “ These awards reflect the collaborative effort between the design team , the builders , and the clients ,” says Hunt , emphasizing his team-oriented approach .
Hunt ’ s contributions to architecture extend beyond his award-winning projects . He served as President of the American Institute of Architects ’ ( AIA ) Vermont Chapter in 2008 , playing a key role in shaping the direction of sustainable architecture in the state . “ Being part of AIA Vermont allowed me to connect with others who share a passion for thoughtful , responsible
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