---
title: "New Frameworks Natural Design Build — General Contractors | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/new-frameworks-natural-design-build-pfvwus-pf~218164497
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~218164497.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "New Frameworks Natural Design Build"
category: ["General Contractors"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c4534c140fa69cc2_2358-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1 Mill Street, Suite 161, Burlington, VT, Vermont 05401, United States"
latitude: 44.484
longitude: -73.2199
phone: "(802) 793-8189"
website: http://www.newframeworks.com
rating: 4.8
review_count: 8
followers: 58
last_updated: 2026-08-25
---

# New Frameworks Natural Design Build

Original Houzz profile: [New Frameworks Natural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/new-frameworks-natural-design-build-pfvwus-pf~218164497)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** General Contractors
- **Location:** Burlington, VT, VT
- **Serves:** Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston, Barre, Winooski, Montpelier, Shelburne, Waterbury, Randolph, Charlotte, Underhill, Hardwick, Marshfield, Waitsfield, Warren, Plainfield, Montgomery, Central Vermont, Essex, Mad River Valley, Middlesex, Northern Vermont, Orange, St. Johnsbury
- **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (8 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

We at New Frameworks specialize in using local, non-toxic materials to create beautiful remodels and new construction projects. Innovative, energy-efficient designs, an emphasis on excellent customer service, and artisan building techniques make us a winning choice for everything from bathroom and kitchen remodels to new build design and construction and deep energy retrofits on existing buildings..

### Services Provided

- Home Remodeling
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Kitchen Remodeling
- General Contracting
- Home Additions
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Extensions
- Deck Building
- Basement Remodeling
- Flooring Installation
- Garage Building
- Outdoor Kitchen Construction
- Porch Design & Construction
- Tile Installation
- Countertop Installation
- Roof Replacement
- Green Building
- House Framing
- Shower Installation
- Concrete Construction
- Siding Installation
- Deck Repair
- Exterior Door Installation
- Stair Installation
- Drywall Installation
- Carport Installation
- Sliding Door Installation
- Attic Restoration
- Trim Work
- Sustainable Design
- Shed Design & Construction
- Crown Molding Installation
- Baseboard Installation
- Insulation Installation
- Cedar Siding
- Stucco Installation
- Stone Masonry
- Siding Repair
- Subfloor Installation
- Metal Roofing
- Composition Roofing
- Skylight Installation
- Basement Waterproofing
- Site Preparation
- Roof Flashing Installation
- Custom Cabinets
- Door Repair
- Interior Door Installation
- Solar Panel Installation
- Tile Repair

### Areas Served

- Burlington
- South Burlington
- Colchester
- Essex Junction
- Williston
- Barre
- Winooski
- Montpelier
- Shelburne
- Waterbury
- Randolph
- Charlotte
- Underhill
- Hardwick
- Marshfield
- Waitsfield
- Warren
- Plainfield
- Montgomery
- Central Vermont
- Essex
- Mad River Valley
- Middlesex
- Northern Vermont
- Orange
- St. Johnsbury

### Typical Job Cost

$5,000 - 650,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | New Frameworks Natural Design Build |
| Address | 1 Mill Street, Suite 161, Burlington, VT, Vermont 05401, United States |
| Phone | (802) 793-8189 |
| Website | http://www.newframeworks.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 58 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/newframeworks/
- Blog — www.newframeworks.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [New Frameworks Natural Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/new-frameworks-natural-design-build-pfvwus-pf~218164497)
- **Website:** http://www.newframeworks.com
- **Phone:** (802) 793-8189

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- - Certified Passive House Consultant – Passive House US (PHIUS)- Building Analyst and Envelope Professional Certifications – Building Performance Institute (BPI)- Certified Installers – American Clay- Certified Installers - Claylin Floors

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 8 reviews**

### All 8 reviews

**★★★★★ — Jackie Weinstock, March 2017**

> This business was simply fantastic to work with. Everyone I interacted with as part of this project demonstrated a great balance of professionalism and friendliness.  All were extremely hard working and caring about their work, its quality and as well how it was viewed by me, the client.  Each person was patient with my questions and they were always willing to work with me to make adjustments based on my needs.  I really can't say enough good things about this business.  Highly recommended!

**★★★★ — Kristi Herzer, Feb. 2017**

> We hired New Frameworks Natural Design Build to repair deflecting ceiling joists in our main bedroom, add a level of sound isolation, and sheetrock (mud, tape, and sand) the bedroom ceiling. We felt very comfortable with them in our home, and the level of communication during different stages of our project was appreciated. New Frameworks certainly lives up to their reputation for high quality work!

**★★★★★ — Casey Ellison, Feb. 2017**

> New Frameworks is a company with incredible ethics and compassion for the world.  They are innovative, thoughtful and responsible with the choices they make regarding building materials.  They are equally graceful toward the humans that they collaborate with to build their beautiful projects.  I am grateful everyday for the amazing home they helped us build, and the story and friendship that thrives along with it.  They are extremely amazing artisans and people.  The two never divide for them and it makes them the most unique and amazing company I can think of!

**★★★★ — Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, Feb. 2017**

> We hired New Frameworks for a few home efficiency upgrades to our cape style home. The projects didn't only include the actual work (bathroom fan replace and upfit, installation of a second floor heat pump, and removal of failing bay window that was replaced with a sliding glass door and stairs), but included careful consultation with us, research on options, and the best part, learning about how our house works as a ecosystem. We were very pleased with the process, the attention to our budget limitations, the care and thought about environmental impact of all parts of the projects, and the improvements it all made on our quality of life in the house.
>
> The best part was that the New Frameworks team was so great to work with on a interpersonal level. They were very well informed, kind, clean, timely, and great communicators.
>
> Basically, if you hire New Frameworks, you get the full compliment of great work and professional conduct.

**Comment from New Frameworks Natural Design Build:**

> Thanks for your feedback, Llu. We loved working with you and Kate to improve your home, and glad our holistic approach was of value to you!

**★★★★★ — Sharon Racusin, Feb. 2017**

> For our project, New Frameworks began with a very personal discussion about our desires, our goals and our budget. From that discussion we decided to do a deep energy retrofit on our 1980 home. Throughout the process we had periodic checkins about meeting those goals. The dedication and commitment of the crew to every detail of their work to meet those goals was above and beyond anything we had experienced from other projects we had done in the past. In the end we reached an efficiency level that won New Frameworks an award. Our home is the most comfortable it has ever been since we have lived here. New Frameworks was meticulous from start to finish.

**Comment from New Frameworks Natural Design Build:**

> Thanks so much, Sharon, for your feedback on your project! We enjoyed working with you, too, and are so glad you have a much-improved home with a process that was positive (and award winning!). :)

**★★★★★ — Wayne Ohlsson, Feb. 2017**

> Great team to work with - competent, skilled, honest, reliable - got along well with everyone working on our project.

**Comment from New Frameworks Natural Design Build:**

> Thank you, Wayne, for your feedback on your experience of working with our team. We had fun converting your 1800s farmhouse into a high-performance home for the next century, and working with you and Jan.

**★★★★★ — dennisross, April 2016**

> New Frameworks completed a two-story, straw-cell addition for us which highly compliments our existing net-zero, solar home.  The design/build process afforded us the kind of direct involvement in the multiple creative phases using all natural building components, as well as, constant oversight of cost/budgetary considerations and realities.  Our design and project managers for this beautiful and efficient home are leaders in the natural design/build movement here in Vermont and New England.  Additionally, our process for financing this project were greatly enhanced by New Framework's completion of a construction portfolio, highlighting the significant cost savings inherent in this High Performance Home.  New Framework's talented crew of craftspeople were outstanding in their work and attention to quality.

**Comment from New Frameworks Natural Design Build:**

> Great to hear your feedback, Dennis! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and with the Houzz community. Working collaboratively with you and Ange to bring your addition concept into reality was a joy for our whole team, and we are so glad you get to enjoy it every day.

**★★★★★ — tdenny53, April 2016**

> Ours is primarily a DIY project – a timber-framed, strawbale-wrapped house with external stud walls containing dense-packed cellulose insulation and (eventually) clapboard siding. We greatly benefited from consulting with New Frameworks Natural Design Build starting early in our design/planning process. Co-owner Jacob Deva Racussin, is very knowledgeable, thorough, friendly and outstanding teacher, who met with us several times and provided very useful feedback and suggestions, as well as instructions and sources for specialized construction supplies. He visited our project site several times, and taught us (and friends) how to shape and build with the bales. We also hired a New Frameworks crew, including co-owner Ace McArleton, to apply the base coat of plaster on the interior straw-bale walls. They were wonderful - very hardworking, plus enjoyable to work with! We very much appreciate everyone’s flexibility in working with us through our long, complicated and somewhat chaotic process. We think the world of all the New Frameworks Natural Design Build people and highly recommend them!

**Comment from New Frameworks Natural Design Build:**

> Tim, thank you for your feedback on our team's work on your project. We enjoyed working with you and Susan on your home so much!

## Selected projects

- [Middlesex Farmhouse & Timber Frame Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/middlesex-farmhouse-and-timber-frame-barn-pj-vj~1036216)
  - Location: Middlesex, VT
  - Photos: 55
  - Description: 2016 WINNER Efficiency Vermont Best of the Best Residential New Construction Award! Highly energy efficient, built with local wood and many reclaimed materials and fixtures, this home is off-grid solar powered and utilizes wood pellet heating. Beautiful timber frame barn also includes many special details like reclaimed windows and door handles.
- [Marshfield Rustic Straw Bale Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marshfield-rustic-straw-bale-home-pj-vj~1460046)
  - Location: Marshfield, VT
  - Photos: 51
- [Barnet Rustic Timber Frame Straw Bale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barnet-rustic-timber-frame-straw-bale-house-pj-vj~49083)
  - Location: Barnet, VT
  - Photos: 5
- [East Calais Sunnybrook Farmhouse Deep Energy Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-calais-sunnybrook-farmhouse-deep-energy-retrofit-pj-vj~1715366)
  - Location: Calais, VT
  - Photos: 11
- [The Contemporary Rustic Round Timber Straw Bale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-contemporary-rustic-round-timber-straw-bale-house-pj-vj~1460025)
  - Location: Deering, NH
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Timber frame, straw bale, wood chip clay and straw clay walls, finished with natural plaster and exposed timber.
- [Brookfield Rustic Timber Frame Outdoor Dining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookfield-rustic-timber-frame-outdoor-dining-pj-vj~1689264)
  - Location: Brookfield, VT
  - Photos: 3
- [Calais Rustic Spa Addition & Basement Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calais-rustic-spa-addition-and-basement-renovation-pj-vj~1689456)
  - Location: Calais, VT
  - Photos: 14
- [Rustic Post and Beam Straw Bale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-post-and-beam-straw-bale-house-pj-vj~49086)
  - Location: Clinton, NY
  - Photos: 15
- [Middlesex Timber Frame Carport](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/middlesex-timber-frame-carport-pj-vj~49101)
  - Location: Middlesex, VT
  - Photos: 5
- [Montpelier Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montpelier-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~49103)
  - Location: Montpelier, VT
  - Photos: 4
- [Calais Renovation/Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calais-renovation-addition-pj-vj~1742112)
  - Location: Calais, VT
  - Photos: 7
- [Newbury Farmhouse Timber Frame Straw Bale Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newbury-farmhouse-timber-frame-straw-bale-home-pj-vj~1460037)
  - Location: Newbury, VT
  - Photos: 5
- [Castle Pine Half Moon Shrine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/castle-pine-half-moon-shrine-pj-vj~1460014)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Brookfield Timber Frame Straw Bale House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookfield-timber-frame-straw-bale-house-pj-vj~49102)
  - Location: Brookfield, VT
  - Photos: 4
- [Montpelier Shower Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montpelier-shower-renovation-pj-vj~49085)
  - Location: Montpelier, VT
  - Photos: 6
- [Farmhouse Deep Resilience Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-deep-resilience-retrofit-pj-vj~2313527)
  - Location: Saint Johnsbury, VT
  - Photos: 6
- [Riverton Timber Frame Straw Bale Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverton-timber-frame-straw-bale-home-pj-vj~2313604)
  - Location: Northfield, VT
  - Photos: 3
- [Charlotte Deep Energy Retrofit & Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlotte-deep-energy-retrofit-and-renovation-pj-vj~2842054)
  - Location: Charlotte, VT
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Award winning (Best of the Best from Efficiency Vermont in 2018) renovation and energy retrofit of a 1950s ranch maximized views, beauty and comfort for the owners. We got them off fossil fuels for heating - solar PV supplies power to the home and to the 2 cold-climate heat pumps which provide both heating and cooling. We tightened the envelope and added insulation and balanced ventilation for a very comfortable interior environment. We applied lots of custom touches, such as hand-applied lime p…
- [Charlotte Renovation & Deeper Energy Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlotte-renovation-and-deeper-energy-retrofit-pj-vj~3095994)
  - Location: Charlotte, VT
  - Photos: 4
- [Unicorn Farm Sauna](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/unicorn-farm-sauna-pj-vj~2842140)
  - Location: Middlesex, VT
  - Photos: 1

[See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/new-frameworks-natural-design-build-pfvwus-pf~218164497)

## Ideabooks

- [kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65883318/list/kitchen) — 5 ideas
- [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66793511/list/stairs) — 1 idea
- [Earth Bermed](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65881715/list/earth-bermed) — 4 ideas
- [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65883377/list/interiors) — 3 ideas
- [Straw Bale](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65881990/list/straw-bale) — 10 ideas
- [Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65883099/list/bathroom) — 2 ideas
- [Timber Frame](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65883036/list/timber-frame) — 1 idea
- [Tadelakt Outdoor Showers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65882429/list/tadelakt-outdoor-showers) — 5 ideas
- [Plaster](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65882619/list/plaster) — 6 ideas
- [Sauna](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65881819/list/sauna) — 1 idea
- [Work Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65841155/list/work-spaces) — 1 idea

[See all 11 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/newframeworks)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What is the color of the trim** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you let me know the trim color?

A: Hi Dave, I actually don't know as the clients had a friend who did the painting. I can email them to find out if you'd like! Thanks for your interest.

**Q: Slate tile details:** *(in Photo Questions)*

what size are these slate tiles?  Are they as hard as porcelain?

A: Yes, a sheet of copper.

**Q: Stove** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi I love this stove- can you tell 
me what brand it is or where I can get it?

A: Hi there, it is a Vermont Castings woodstove.

**Q: who makes this window** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Thermotech. And you are seeing 4 individual casements here set close to one another on the southern wall of the house.

**Q: question about the floor** *(in Photo Questions)*

the floor, the section that is NOT tile, is that poured and colored concrete?  Is not this type of floor cold for Vermont winters, or am I mistaken.

A: See above.

**Q: Love your copper wall! What gauge? How wide? Where to purchase?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I'm looking for just this great look. So glad you shared the photo with me. I have the chocolate enamel wood stove as well and yours looks wonderful. Thank you, Linda

A: Sorry, Joan, that is the only photo we have.  Best, New Frameworks

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*