It started with a call for help

For many families in Calais and Central Vermont, the summer camp is a cherished gathering place. But as retirement approaches, the need to convert these seasonal structures into comfortable, year-round residences becomes a priority. For this project on Curtis Pond, we moved beyond a simple renovation. We reimagined the structure to support aging in place, creating a home that is as functional for a couple in their 70s as it is for their visiting grandchildren.

We partnered with this family to help transition their seasonal Curtis Pond retreat into a fully accessible, energy-efficient home that not only honors the history and natural beauty of its stunning pond setting but also creates an ample space for the next generation of grandchildren to enjoy and a legacy for their extended family. Here’s a glimpse into how the project began.

In the summer of 2018, we received a call from a homeowner who was in the midst of a significant renovation of their cherished summer camp on Curtis Pond a short walk from the bucolic Maple Corners general store and iconic Whammy Bar. They reached out to see if we could provide consultation and produce some detailed drawings to communicate their design intent to their general contractor. We gladly accepted the challenge and met with them a few days later while they were in town for a short, week-long visit.

Strategic Design for Multi-Generational Living

The design oppourtunity was to expand the living space without losing the 'camp vibe.' We opened the floor plan to improve flow and accessibility on the ground level—essential for long-term independent living. By adding a second story with a gabled roofline, we created a private master suite and flexible guest quarters, ensuring the home can comfortably host large family gatherings while remaining intimate and manageable for two people during the quiet winter months.

The Process

During our meeting, we toured the property, sent them our comprehensive residential design questionnaire, and listened carefully as they shared their key priorities and goals. They wanted to expand their one-level camp with a small loft into a two-level home featuring a master bedroom upstairs and a second bedroom downstairs. Along the way, they envisioned a complete redesign of the floor plan to create a more open-concept layout, including moving the main entry and kitchen, among other improvements.

Collaboratively, we developed detailed design drawings and massing images that clearly illustrated their ideas, enabling effective communication with their contractor and moving the project forward smoothly. We created architectural floor plans, elevations, building sections, and other details to aid in construction and coordination between the owner and their builder.

To help understand the three-dimensional aspects of the changes and updates the clients desired, we designed their project in our 3-D software, Autodesk Revit LT which allows sophisticated building modeling and design. Curious about how we use it on other projects, check out our project portfolio section. With this software that we now use on every project, we developed exterior and interior design rendering views to aid in decision making and final material and window locations for the family. It is very powerful and dynamic tool for architects.

With the end of the project realized, the grandparents could now enjoy nearby family and grandchildren as well as extend their legacy at the edge of Curtis Pond for generations to come. Interested in learning more about how to design for multi-generational living homes, contact us today.

Before photos

Please see the following photos of the existing interior and exterior conditions of this special camp at Curtis Pond.

The design and end result

Next steps

Our clients will next develop the exterior site design around the camp with a clearer main entry at the rear, more plantings between it and adjacent property, as well as retaining wall on the upslope side of the camp by the entry. If you would like to learn more feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions.