Last Day to Vote for AIA NH People's Choice Award!

Today's the last day you can vote for your favorite project entered into the 2012 AIA NH Excellence in Design Awards!

Bonin Architects' submission is #1, The Landing, Newbury, New Hampshire. Located on Lake Sunapee,  this gorgeous new custom home replaced an old uninsulated cottage.  The new home design conforms to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act guidelines for placement and property setbacks.  The home sits on a narrow 32' wide lot, has 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, and plenty of space for entertaining.  See more finished pictures of this custom home on our website at www.boninarchitects.com.

Vote online at http://www.aianh.org.  Remember, voting ends today!

NH Lakefront Cottage Renovation

One of our recently completed projects is the renovation of a lakefront cottage on Pleasant Lake, New London, New Hampshire.

The property was subdivided and had originally had two cabins on it. A cabin on “The Point” was torn down to open up the lake view from the other cottage. Some of its materials were salvaged for use in the main cottage renovation.

The new cottage serves as a three-season entertainment area for family and friends with lakeside access and wonderful seasonal views.

Master Planning of the lot for a future primary residence was also completed, accounting for CSPA lot coverage, setbacks and storm water management.

Photos by Great Island Photography, LLC

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act

It's that time of year! School is almost out, summer is upon us, and soon New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and ponds will be buzzing with activity. Many folks from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island come to New Hampshire every year to enjoy our beautiful surroundings - and some plan to relocate or build a vacation home here.

The Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act was established in 1994 to help protect New Hampshire lakes and ponds from erosion and sedimentation as a result of construction and land use activities within 250’ of the shoreline. The Shoreland Protection Act affects all homeowners planning to build on or subdivide New Hampshire lakefront property. Amendments to the Act went into effect July 1, 2008.

Even lawmakers agree many “gray areas” still exist in the Act and its amendments, including restrictions on building size, accessory structures and the amount of clearing that can be done, boathouse construction, and conflicting state vs. town setback requirements.

If you own land on the shores of a lake, pond, or river and are thinking about building a lakefront home which will have to comply with the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act requirements and restrictions, give us a call or send an email. We can help you design and build a comfortable, energy efficient home within the guidelines and restrictions of the Act - and make building a lakefront home an enjoyable process!

Northern New England Home Show, Manchester, NH

Bonin Architects & Associates is exhibiting this weekend at the Northern New England Home Show, Manchester, New Hampshire. Stop by our booth (#1703) and talk to us about your plans to build a green home! Feel free to bring your ideas and sketches. We'll be able to help you get started on a home design that will fit your family's wants and needs, make the most of your site, help protect the environment, and save you money in energy costs.

If your building plans are affected by the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act which protects New Hampshire lakes and ponds, we can create a home design that meets your needs and preserves the environment in accordance with the regulations.

Make plans to see the seminar "Green Home Design" by Jeremy Bonin, AIA NCARB LEED AP at the show Friday at 6:30 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM, or Sunday 11:00 AM. You'll learn about sustainability, guiding principles of green home design, the phases of design, passive green design, and active green design.

Show information:

Northern New England Home Show

The Center of New Hampshire @ Radisson Hotel

700 Elm Street

Manchester, NH

Manchester Home Show Tickets