ARCHITECTURE A MODERN HOME AND LANDSCAPE, REIMAGINED

AToM Design

Studio reinvents a lake home exterior in Bennington

Story Lisa Lukecart

Design Rachel Birdsall

Adramatic weight loss. A disastrous break-up. A dream vacation. Such life events might prompt one to seek a fresh wardrobe or a stylish new hairstyle.

The new owners of a Bennington home felt the same about their lakeside retreat, deciding the residence needed an exterior makeover an updated dress, per se for it’s square-shaped body and lackluster landscaping to better suit their outdoor living needs.

Brian Kelly worked as the lead on the Bennington home build while with the firm Randy Brown Architects (RBA) back in 2008. The desired outer modification required someone with previous knowledge of the structural components who could appreciate the original design while still elevating it. Brian, alongside his architect-wife Andrea Kelly, stepped up to the challenge 10 years later to reimagine the outdoor space under their own architectural firm, AToM Design Studio.

Post-renovation, a floating silver canopy at the home’s entry now provides ample shade. Previously donning an all-gray shell, the home today features chocolate-colored rain screens along the front, adding a splash of deep color.

“It’s like giving it a new outfit,” Andrea said. “But the life of the house faces the lake.”

The previous occupants rarely utilized Bennington Lake, just feet away from the home’s back entrance. A sharp incline and a trek through lush grass made trips down to the water difficult not ideal for the new owners, an empty-nester couple who hoped to soak in all the benefits of the lake.

“It was a huge compliment that [the clients] trusted us,” Brain said of the exterior renovation challenge. Freedom to design meant he wanted to exceed expectations.

The end product is striking while impossibly practical. Concrete steps blend utility and clean design to solve the issue of easier access to the dock. The off-set pattern allows guests to “experience” the downward trek, with each turn creating an altered vista.