Bennington firm among Vermont Architecture Awards winners

MONTPELIER -- The American Institute of Architects, Vermont Chapter (AIAVT) has announced the winners of its 2013 Annual Design Awards Program, awarding its Citation Award to Benningtons Centerline Architects & Planners.

Six projects -- including three "farmhouses" and a farm stand -- were recognized for design excellence by a jury of architects from the Boston Society of Architects that viewed 39 entries submitted by AIAVT member architects.

Centerline Architects & Planners, P.C., of Bennington received a Citation Award for "Down on the Farm," a collection of Salem, N.Y. structures dating back to 1840-1880 that now include a renovated farmhouse, dairy barn, and stable. Wherever possible, materials were salvaged and reused or repurposed -- including doors, floor planks, slate roof tiles, and marble. Jurors said, "There was a high level of creative thought about the existing buildings. Smart decisions were made, right down to the paint color. Structures were preserved and enhanced to remain sensitive to the farms history."

Middlebury-based McLeod Kredell Architects received two awards, including the Honor Award for a 1700-square-foot residence built for $283,000 on the recently subdivided Foote Farm, outside Middlebury. The jury, especially impressed with the outcome given the relatively modest budget, which included site work, said, "The building is quite beautiful and the relationship between inside and outside is very strong. It is beautifully sited and the materials have been combined to create a distinct sense of place. While there is a feel of traditional architecture, the work does not copy."

McLeod Kredell Architects also received a special category Collaborative Student Project Award for "Island Farm Stand," designed and built completely in the span of just one week with Marvel Architects, New York, N.Y., and eight architecture students from three colleges, including Middlebury College. The jury was impressed with the fact that participants came together on remote Bear Island in Penobscot Bay, ME, to construct a 160-square-foot structure on a materials budget of under $2,000. The farm stand will be used by a local school whose students will sell produce harvested from the school farm.

A Guilford "Sound Studio and Residence" project that included the restoration of an 1800s farmhouse was recognized with a Merit Award. The two-structure project was designed by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects of New York, NY. "These two buildings walk the line of being simple, but beautifully done," said jurors. "There is a lot more work here than initially meets the eye. This is a simple yet elegant solution; even though it was fussed over, it doesnt feel that way." Brattleboro builder David Ross led construction of the Sound Studio and Guilford builder Shaun Murphy managed the restoration of the residence.

The Shelburne Museums Pizzigalli Center for Art and Education earned the Boston-based firm of Ann Beha Architects a Merit Award. About the project, by PC Construction of Williston, jurors said, "The center is modern and sensitive with a wonderful palette of materials that are harmonious with the site. The building responds well to Route 7 on one side and the other museum buildings on the other side. The building captures the spirit of Vermont without being too reverential."

The Welcome and Admissions Center at Roger H. Perry Hall at Champlain College garnered a Merit Award for Goody Clancy & Associates of Boston and contractor Engelberth Construction of Colchester. Champlain College Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration David Provost said, "In college admissions, first impressions are everything."

The college wanted a building that would immediately represent to a prospective student the progressive kind of educational opportunities the College provides, he explained. "Goody Clancy was up to challenge."

The jurors said, "The Welcome Center deals well with sustainability. The project respects the historic nature of the existing building and neighborhood and is very well integrated into the landscape.The project is also well refined and controlled while still taking some risks."

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Bennington firm among Vermont Architecture Awards winners