The American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter, has awarded a Merit Award to Joan Heaton Architects for the Vermont Modern Barn, a new home construction project built in Weybridge, Vermont.

Both the client, Mary Cullinane, and the general contractor, Silver Maple Construction of New Haven, also received recognition for their roles.  Joan has built her practice on the belief that a collaborative effort between Owner, Architect, and Builder yields the best results; the recent recognition confirms this notion. Other local firms who participated in the project are Raycroft Meyer Landscape Architects of Bristol and Artisan Engineering of Shelburne.  Credit for the photos goes to photographer Jim Westphalen.

The award-winning project is a small, airy home, sited to take advantage of southern exposure and views to the west.  The barn, modeled on the local form, is updated with a structural system of steel beams and big expanses of glass in the windows and doors.  A twelve-foot wide sliding door disappears into the gable end wall and a pivot entry door welcomes the owner and visitors.  A “bump out” containing four bunk beds accommodates overnight guests.