Three Summits Residence by NÓS: A Multigenerational Mountain Retreat Rooted in Landscape and Architectural Primitivism

Nestled within the dramatic terrain of Green Mountains in Vermont, the Three Summits Residence by NÓS redefines contemporary mountain living through a deeply contextual and multigenerational design approach. Completed in 2023, this remarkable residence merges architecture, landscape, and family life into a cohesive spatial narrative, emphasizing connection, adaptability, and timeless materiality.

A Vision for Multigenerational Living in Nature

Designed to accommodate three generations under one architectural language, the residence explores the idea of collective domesticity—an increasingly relevant concept in contemporary housing. The project translates this vision into three distinct yet interconnected pavilions, each representing different stages of life. These volumes are carefully positioned across a vast mountainous site, creating a balance between shared and private spaces.

Rather than imposing on the land, the architecture works with the topography, allowing the natural slope and forested surroundings to shape the experience. This approach not only strengthens the relationship between built form and nature but also ensures that each pavilion engages uniquely with the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Primitivism and Geometric Clarity

At the heart of the design lies a philosophy of architectural primitivism. The residence is composed of simple geometric forms—rocky bases and sharply pitched roofs—that evoke a sense of timelessness and elemental construction. The absence of ornamentation allows the purity of lines, planes, and volumes to define the aesthetic.

Granite monoliths anchor the structure to the land, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. These massive stone elements house technical spaces while forming a robust base for the triangular roof prisms above. The steep, angular roofs reference the region’s Nordic climate and winter sports culture, creating an iconic silhouette against the mountainous backdrop.

Site Strategy and Immersive Arrival Experience

Positioned at the highest point of the site, the residence offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The approach to the house is intentionally choreographed: a winding vehicular path leads visitors through dense forest before revealing the architecture in a carefully framed moment. This sequence enhances the sense of discovery and immersion in nature.

The expansive property is further activated by outdoor recreational amenities, including mountain biking trails and cross-country skiing routes. These features transform the residence into more than just a home—it becomes a year-round retreat deeply integrated with its environment.

Spatial Organization and Layered Circulation

The internal layout unfolds as a series of interconnected plateaus, subtly stepping with the natural incline of the land. This half-meter level variation creates a fluid spatial progression, enhancing visual connectivity while maintaining functional zoning.

• Central Pavilion: Serves as the social core, housing shared living, dining, and gathering spaces.
• Lower Pavilion: Contains guest accommodations, dormitories, and independent living units, ideal for extended family or visitors.
• Upper Pavilion: Dedicated to the master suite, offering privacy and direct access from the indoor garage.

Two landscaped courtyards link these pavilions, acting as transitional spaces that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. These courtyards also introduce natural light deep into the plan while offering intimate outdoor environments for relaxation and interaction.

Landscape Integration and Material Sensitivity

A defining feature of the project is its seamless integration with the natural landscape. Artificial and natural gardens are interwoven along pathways that connect the pavilions, creating a continuous outdoor experience. The architecture borrows textures and colors from its surroundings, ensuring that it blends harmoniously into the forested terrain.

The use of durable, locally resonant materials such as granite reinforces the building’s connection to place while enhancing its longevity. Large glazed openings frame curated views of the mountains, transforming the landscape into a series of living artworks.

Sustainability and Long-Term Resilience

Sustainability is embedded in both the conceptual and technical development of the residence. The project employs energy-efficient construction methods and high-performance materials to ensure durability and reduced environmental impact. Years of collaboration between architects, clients, and contractors have resulted in a building that meets high standards of craftsmanship, energy performance, and long-term resilience.

This commitment to sustainability not only supports environmental responsibility but also ensures that the residence can adapt to the evolving needs of future generations.

A Living Architecture for Generational Continuity

The Three Summits Residence is more than a home—it is a spatial framework for life’s evolving stages. By offering a diverse range of spaces, atmospheres, and relationships to nature, the project supports both communal living and individual retreat.

Its architectural language—rooted in simplicity, material honesty, and contextual sensitivity—creates a timeless environment where family, landscape, and design coexist in harmony. As such, it stands as a compelling example of how contemporary architecture can respond to both human and environmental needs in meaningful ways.

All photographs are works of  Eric Petschek