August 2025
Howdy Heat Wave!
We’re in the thick of the hot, hot summer, and we hope you’re all finding ways to stay cool and hydrated! Here at Graphite Studio, we can’t stop scrolling through our photos from the Dragon Den project—seeing how our designs come to life, even in the heat, is a great reminder of why we do what we do.
This August, we’re especially eager to connect with fellow builders and collaborators in the Pioneer Valley who share our passion for thoughtful, sustainable design. If you’re interested in teaming up to create a greener, more resilient community, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep pushing for beautiful spaces that tread lightly on the planet—and don’t forget to take those water breaks!
Cool as a cucumber,
Andrew and the Graphite Team!
We’re thrilled to share our beautiful collection of photos from Dragon Den, completed in 2024. The rocky tumbles around their property in Vernon always felt like they might conceal dragons, to this young couple. To the flattest sandy spot nearby comes the Dragon Den—a new home and garage to welcome a new child. The house will soon be accompanied by a new project, just up the stream, Grandma’s Phoenix Nest.
Dragon Den is a project that truly captured our imagination from the start. Designed for a family who loves board games, fantasy, and a touch of the unexpected, this all-electric, high-performance home in Vernon, VT, is as playful as it is practical. Working closely with Mathes Hulme Builders and PV Squared, we focused on energy efficiency with triple-glazed windows, an ERV, and heat pumps, ensuring comfort in every season while treading lightly on the planet.
One of the standout features is the secret bookcase—a whimsical portal that leads from the public living spaces into the private bedrooms, creating a clear sense of boundary and a little everyday magic for the family. It’s a quiet nod to the stories and adventures that inspired the design, giving the home a personality all its own. Outside, an open-air shower connects daily routines to the surrounding forest, making nature a part of the family’s rhythm.
A huge thank you to Jen from Dwelling Photography for capturing the spirit and details of Dragon Den so beautifully. We love how this home brings together comfort, curiosity, and sustainability—and we’d love to hear what you think! Would you add a secret door or an outdoor shower to your dream home?
Project Progress: Phoenix Nest
Excitement continues to build at Phoenix Nest as we reach new milestones this August! With rough-ins completed, our clients have now selected the final color palette for their interiors, infusing the home with a unique and personal touch. Interior finishes are advancing steadily, each space transforming as surfaces receive their finishing details. Outside, siding installation is underway, further defining Phoenix Nest’s architectural character within the landscape.
We’re thrilled with the project’s forward momentum, and deeply appreciative of the entire Mathes Hulme Builders team, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident at every phase. As we move through these final stages, anticipation is growing—for both the completed home and the inspiring collaboration that has brought it to this point. Stay tuned for more updates as Phoenix Nest nears its remarkable debut!
Graphite Wisdom: Talks with Facades Northeast
This month’s lunch and learn gave us a closer look at two standout facade solutions—Petrarch composite stone panels from Omnis and Forme’s extruded aluminum cladding systems. Petrarch panels, made from recycled reconstituted marble and stone. Meanwhile, Forme’s aluminum batten and siding systems are engineered for longevity and sustainability, using recyclable materials that hold up beautifully as both exterior cladding and interior feature walls. Both companies have clearly thought through the typical pain points—like wear, exposure, and installation—and their sleek designs promise not just resilience, but a timeless architectural look that elevates any project for years to come.