Bonin Architects Adds to NH Architectural Firm

Bonin Architects welcomes Scott McCullough to our architectural firm!

Scott received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies and Masters Degree in Architecture from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. 

Much of his career has been spent working on Martha’s Vineyard for Hutker Architects working on both modern and traditionally designed custom homes.  He has also been involved in designing custom homes on the North Shore of Boston for coastal and agrarian settings.

In 2008 he earned the LEED AP designation from the USGBC, and since then has received the LEED AP for Homes specialty designation.  As part of each project he enjoys strategizing for sustainable living, and implementing those ideas into the design.

Scott enjoys snowboarding, tennis, golf, traveling, and working on building projects at home.

Bonin Architects Business After Hours September 26, 2012

Join us at our 4th Annual Business After Hours

Wednesday, September 26th from 5:00 - 7:30 PM

Tour our offices, meet the Bonin Architects' staff, and learn how you can work with us on your next building and landscaping project in the Lakes Region!

Open to the public. Sponsored by the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce.  Refreshments are included - FREE to Chamber members, $5 for non-Chamber members.

Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC
209 Main Street
New London, NH 03257
Visit our newly designed website at www.boninarchitects.com.

Country Living: Little House on the Lake

Our clients’ terrific 500 square foot cottage is featured in September 2012 issue of Country Living magazine!

Sheri and Gerry Weber describe how their remodeled cottage went from old and outdated to clean and contemporary with a plan that included opening up the space, recycling as much material as possible, and making the most of limited storage.

Architect Jeremy Bonin presented a green design that tore down the dropped ceiling and eliminated all of the wood paneling. The Webers reaction was perfect: “Without the ceiling, it was like, “Wow!”, explains Sheri.  “We capitalized on all the extra height by putting in a sleeping loft.”  Working closely throughout the project, Bonin Architects and the Webers succeeded in making this cottage one of the nicest – and greenest – cabins on the lake!

                           

Be sure to read the full article on this award-winning remodeled cottage online or get your copy at your local newsstand!

Design of a House: Good vs. Exceptional Design

Bonin Architects believes in curtailing the negative impact of construction on the natural environment, reducing consumption of non-renewable resources, minimizing waste, and promoting a healthy living environment. 

Good design is the first step towards a sustainable future. Exceptional design of a house will:

• Reduce the size of your new house. A thoughtful, simplified and intuitive house design results in a more efficient house plan.
• Integrate your home with its natural surroundings, take advantage of natural features and extend your living space beyond the walls of your home.

• Minimize operating and maintenance costs. As fuel and material prices rise, an efficient home will consume less fuel, while durable materials and high quality construction will limit maintenance costs.
• Prove to be a wise investment. Elegant house plan designs that anticipate future changes in technology, use and lifestyle retain their value.

Bonin Architects has architects and landscape architects who deliver inspirational design solutions, quality client service, superior communication and a personalized project approach. 

The greatest opportunity for a well designed home lies in the onset of the process…call us or visit our website for more information on the process of designing a house that maximizes positive effects and reduces negative impact on your family and the environment.

A New Cottage Fits Perfectly in the Neighborhood

The new cottage designed by Bonin Architects & Associates for clients Peter and Chasity fits right in with their Victorian neighborhood of Blodgett Landing, Newbury, NH.  New Hampshire Home magazine featured this open concept home in its July 2012 issue.

An excerpt of the article “Building a Better Cottage” by Clare Kittredge:

CLIMBING ART

Inside, the home’s artery is the beautiful winding, open staircase that’s visible from one end of the house to the other.

“It’s not your typical enclosed stair because the house is narrow and there’s so much travel between the floors,” Architect Jeremy Bonin explains. “It didn’t make sense not to celebrate the fact that it’s a tall, narrow home. Since they will use it so often, it needed to be a design focal point.”

Coiling through the home, the stairs benefit from windows on two sides for the entire height of the house. This means the look of the staircase changes throughout the day as the sun hits in from different angles.

“The stairs are kind of floating in the space,” Chasity says. “It’s like a work of art.”

But it’s not a delicate work of art. With many children running up and down at one time, the staircase takes a lot of beating. “If the kids have their friends over, sometimes they can have fifteen kids running up and down the stairs,” Chasity notes.

Read more at New Hampshire Home magazine online.

NH Architectural Firm Bonin Architects Launches New Website

Bonin Architects & Associates, a residential and landscape architectural firm in New London, NH, announces the launch of their newly redesigned website, www.boninarchitects.com.  The new site highlights a new corporate image, details of services, and explains the approach to each individual project.

“We are very excited about this new website because we believe visitors will find it effective, user friendly, and one of the best ways we can explain – and show - our architectural services,” said KimberlyBonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager.

“Our Architectural Portfolio is now broken down into three categories:  Selected Projects, Under Construction, and On the Boards,” explains Jeremy Bonin, Principal Partner and Architect.  “Projects have several photos in gallery style showing the architectural style, drawings, construction photos, unique details, and a description of the design program which outlines the strategy and goals of the building.  Many of our clients have properties with specific challenges: Shoreland Protection restrictions, wetlands, tight setbacks, steep slopes, or close neighboring homes."

“Our services and fees have always been on our website, but now our landscape design and architectural services are outlined and explained in detail so visitors can see the benefit of working with an architect in designing a new home, addition, or remodeling their existing home,” Kimberly adds.

Cabin Life Feature Article on Award-Winning Cottage

Check out the latest issue of Cabin Life magazine! 

Bonin Architects’ award-winning cottage is the cover story of the May 2012 issue.  The article titled “Mini Retreat, Maximum Fun” describes how our remodeled cottage reuses as much of the original material as possible, makes the most out of  layout and storage, and creates an ultra-fun spot for entertaining guests on beautiful Pleasant Lake in New London, NH.

Here’s an excerpt from the article:

The beach cabin was in good shape for its age, but dark and rough inside. The goal was to maximize space, natural light and lake vistas. “We had very specific things we wanted to do,” says Sheri, a former property manager whose experience with architects, landscapers, and tradesmen came in handy during the project. “That’s the fun of having a cabin – you fix it up and make it your own.”

She found inspiration in books and magazines – Cabin Life included – on cabin design and lakefront living. The Webers brought the stack to architect Jeremy Bonin, AIA, of New London, N.H., who distilled common themes from pages of images. On the wish list: a cathedral ceiling, French doors, lots of glass, and a screened back porch facing the lake.

Lots of open storage was another must. Builder Jay Tucker of Old Hampshire Designs in New London was called in to do the revamping. Old Hampshire sanded floors, opened the ceiling, and created built-in nooks and cubbies. “It’s still all exposed wood inside, like a beach house,” says Tucker. “We upgraded it, painted it, made it a pretty little living space.”

“We tried to use as much of the original materials as possible,” notes Bonin. “We turned casement windows on their sides, reframed and regrouped others.” Bonin also guided the couple through a maze of required permits, as the cabin is just 50 feet from the water.

For more information on this great cottage, see our website at http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/119-le-petite-pointe-cottage.html

Bonin Architects Adds Intern Architect to Staff

Bonin Architects is pleased to announce the hire of Kyle Ackerman as Intern Architect.  Kyle earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Keene State College, where he designed and managed a number of projects ranging from collaborative community projects to conceptual living spaces in Haiti.

He also was part of the Junior Honors Program at the University of Derby in Derby, England in 2010, where he studied architectural history, and third world development and traveled to Norway, and Ireland.

“We are pleased to welcome Kyle to our team,” Bonin Architects Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin states. “His creativity and enthusiasm for architecture will be a great asset to our company.” Kimberly Bonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager, adds, “Our design staff works collectively on all projects.  Each person brings their specific personal strengths and professional experience, creating an exceptional design for every project. Kyle’s interest in sustainability and attention to detail will definitely add to the high level of customer satisfaction we strive to achieve in all of our projects.”

Kyle’s roots in the Upper Valley and Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region, combined with his commitment toward architecture and its relationship to improving lives, is evident in his work ethic and design contribution . Kyle’s hobbies include refinishing furniture, skiing, mountain biking, photography, and cooking.

About Bonin Architects:

Bonin Architects & Associates creates innovative, energyefficient home designs and specializes in green, energy efficient homes incorporating recycled and energy efficient building materials and sustainable (green) energy practices.  Offered as a separate service, Construction Administration includes working with clients to determine budget requirements, material choices and product specifications for quotes, and working with the contractor throughout the construction process.

Renovating a Home or Cottage: What to Expect

The Spring 2012 issue of Kearsarge Magazine features one of Bonin Architects’ current remodeling projects, complete with before and after photos.

Architect Jeremy Bonin gives pointers on working with an architect during the design process and how their experience can save you time and money.  The five ways architects can help with your remodeling project:

Know how to work with old homes: If the original drawings are not available, the architect will document the existing spaces affected by the new design.  “This can mean multiple visits to verify dimensions, structure, plumbing, and a myriad of other building components. In older homes, the documentation process may be longer due to walls and floors that are not straight or plumb, or intricate woodwork and moldings to be saved, salvaged or duplicated.”

Realize design is a process: Several considerations will be reviewed and revisited many times during the design process including your family’s current and future needs, energy conservation, budget, and schedule.  The architect uses sketches, renderings, and 3D computer models to draw your ideas and bring the vision of your remodeled home to life while keeping in mind traffic patterns, air flow, light, and the aesthetic of the home.

Will plan on contingencies like budgeting for unanticipated problems with your older home like outdated wiring and rotted structural elements that may not be seen until the walls are torn down. 

Will help build your team: Your project could take as little as a month or as long as a year. You will be working, sometimes on a daily basis, with your architect and contractor; therefore, you should feel comfortable and trust them as they will working with you for an extended amount of time.  Your architect will help you interview and hire a general contractor if you do not have one, checking qualifications, references and compatibility of work to your remodeling project.

Architects understand the steps:  In addition to the design process, your architect will guide you through the steps, including permitting and pricing. Preliminary pricing may be obtained during the design or, if the contractor is selected, pricing may be established at milestone points during the design. 

A home is our shelter and escape from the busy world around us; it should feel inviting and meet our needs every day. Selecting a good team to work on your remodeling project will reward you at every turn.

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!