Visual Impact

Harry Hunt, AIA, of Harry Hunt Architects, blends cutting-edge sustainable design and time-honored Vermont traditions through his award-winning green architecture projects.

STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER 

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY HARRY HUNT ARCHITECTS

Harry Hunt, AIA, founder and principal architect of Harry Hunt Architects, has applied his deeply nuanced architectural sensibilities and passion for sustainable design to build a portfolio of exceptional properties throughout the Green Mountain State. These homes perfectly combine form and function, standing as testaments to the enduring power and impact of environmentally-conscious architecture. With a focus on sustainability that includes Passive House principles, all-electric and low-carbon residential design, Hunt has crafted gorgeous and environmentally friendly spaces that enhance the quality of life for those who inhabit them. His life’s work is a clear demonstration of how architecture can honor Vermont’s natural beauty and heritage—all while pushing the boundaries of modern design. 

Hunt’s journey towards his career in architecture began in his early years. He grew up in Bakersfield, Vermont, where his family owned a property that required significant upkeep and renovations. As a child, he helped his parents restore an 1860s farmhouse and rebuild barns lost to several fires. “I was constantly involved in construction and surrounded by the process of rebuilding and renovating,” notes Hunt. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his passion for architecture.

Hunt graduated from University of Vermont in 1986 with a degree in engineering. He then moved to Europe, where he worked for Siemens as an electrical engineer. His extensive travels exposed him to a range of architectural styles, sparking his interest in pursuing a Master of Architecture graduate degree at the University of Colorado. After earning his graduate degree, Hunt worked with Barrett Studio Architects and Harry Teague Architects in Colorado. His experience with Barrett Studio, an early leader in the field of green architecture, was 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 design,” Hunt notes. His involvement with AIA and his leadership in sustainable design initiatives have made him a vital contributor to Vermont’s architectural landscape. However, Hunt approaches his work with a spirit of conscious humility – and he is quick to shift the focus back to the work itself when asked about his core values. “At the end of the day, architecture is about creating spaces that improve people’s lives. It’s a service profession, and my job is to listen to my clients and deliver something that meets their needs and respects the environment.”

In line with that perspective, a key element of Hunt’s design process lies in his longstanding collaborative partnership with skilled interior designer Flor Diaz-Smith of Diaz-Smith Studio. Together, they create homes that are not only energy-efficient, but also welcoming and livable. “Flor brings a contemporary feel to the interiors, but her designs are approachable—never cold or stark. She creates spaces that are both beautiful and functional.” This partnership ensures that the homes they create are incredibly inviting, setting the stage for homeowners to enjoy the properties and form deep, personal bonds with the spaces.

Harry Hunt’s portfolio is a testament to the adaptability of his architectural designs, as well as his undeniable ability to create homes that are both visually-captivating and environmentally sustainable. Each project showcases his skill in marrying Vermont’s architectural traditions with modern, eco-friendly design principles, all while considering the specific needs of the site and the client. This allows Hunt to tailor each home to its unique environment, ensuring that no two projects are the same.

One striking example is the House at Kingdom Farm, located in Burke, Vermont. This home is designed to subtly reflect the surrounding rural landscape, which includes historic agrarian structures on the nearby farm. Its form draws inspiration from traditional English barns, with a shed roof and an expansive wraparound porch that give the home a contemporary, yet grounded feel. The exterior materials, including eastern white cedar, along with bluestone patio pavers, enhance the connection between the home and its natural setting. The interior layout prioritizes efficiency. A spacious, open plan on the ground level provides sweeping views of the landscape, while the upper and lower levels are optimized to maximize sleeping quarters. The use of locally-sourced ash wood for the flooring, cabinetry, and doors, alongside granite countertops, adds character to the design. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the House at Kingdom Farm is an exemplar of sustainability, adhering to Passive House principles. The all-electric, net-zero home generates more energy than it consumes, thanks to solar panels and air-source heat pumps. The home was recognized for its design excellence with an AIA Vermont Excellence in Architecture Design Award in 2022.

Another notable project is the Black & Light House in Stowe, Vermont. The home’s open loft space over the living and dining area evokes the spaciousness of local barn interiors, while the passageway connecting the detached garage to the main house is reminiscent of the region’s historic covered bridges. The exterior features low-maintenance black corrugated steel. Hunt’s portfolio also includes renovation projects, including a classic 1970s raised-ranch-style home near Stowe Mountain Resort. The renovation involved a full interior gut and a comprehensive update to the home’s energy system. The interior was redesigned to create a large, open living space by removing small, compartmentalized rooms. Hunt’s innovative approach is also wonderfully demonstrated through more unconventional projects, such as the Edson Hill treehouse at Edson Hill Resort in Stowe. The treehouse’s design incorporates a structural system that allows it to move gently with the surrounding trees without causing any harm, making it a welcome addition to the landscape. 

As Vermont continues to lead the way in sustainable architecture, Harry Hunt remains at the forefront of this movement. His involvement with initiatives like the AIA 2030 Commitment and his certification as a Passive House designer highlight his dedication to reducing energy use and carbon emissions through his architectural work. “Vermont has always been about finding creative, practical solutions, and I’m excited to continue building on that legacy,” says Hunt. Looking to the future, Hunt hopes to expand his sustainability-focused architectural approach to working on larger-scale projects, including multi-use buildings that integrate housing, retail, and public spaces. “There’s a big opportunity in Vermont for mixed-use developments that combine public space and housing in ways that meet both environmental and community needs. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces – we want to build homes and structures that can last and serve Vermonters for generations.” 

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