Highgarden
Architect // Bonin Architects
Description
In visualizing their new home, the owners had clear goals: "… a sense of history... a timelessness that will last through generations… comfortable and convenient for all age ranges." They were also especially thrilled to reclaim elements of the original home for reuse. Reclaimed items included the fieldstone fireplace built by their grandfather, twice reclaimed hand-hewn timbers, windows, doors, barn-board, and vintage plumbing fixtures. Accessibility was critical indoors and outdoors. Exterior landscape ramps, an elevator, and appropriate detailing throughout the home and property were essential. An accessible bunkroom and adjacent bath and barrier-free access to the screen porch, patios, and hot tub foster inclusivity for everyone. Outdoor living and gardening were of great importance as well. Elements such as the sedum-covered potting shed and fenced vegetable garden are essential. The plantings are heavy, perennial pollinators with blooms staggered throughout the summer, so the landscape is always colorful and changing.
Hemlock Hollow
Citation Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Residential
Architect // Bonin Architects
GC // Old Hampshire
Jury Comments
The jury was drawn into the project via imagery that shows the home and outbuildings seamlessly integrated into the site. Towering Hemlock trees, large boulders, and a delicate shoreline are preserved and protected for current and future enjoyment. The house structure and boathouse appear to have had the surrounding landscape grow up around them - a nod to how successful the structures have been sited. Interiors provide a background to what we imagine is a great place to gather for a multi-generational family and their friends. The architects have accomplished the client’s goal of creating a home conducive “to being filled with children, grandchildren, and friends.” Oftentimes it would appear as though projects are named after places they have not enhanced - not so in the case of Hemlock Hollow. The project feels of its place - enhancing the site with its own beauty.
Description
On a peninsula with stunning views, this gently sloping property features impressive mature hemlock framing views of the lake and mountain. This multi-year project included rebuilding the home, guesthouse, boathouse, and landscape. The design is comfortable and efficient for two as their year-round residence. It also addresses the couple's goal, "to fill the home with children, grandchildren, and friends" whenever possible. Four bedrooms, open casual living spaces, a recreation room, a gym, and a reading loft are only a few amenities providing a range of opportunities for family gatherings and quiet relaxation. The guesthouse over the garage offers studio space for privacy away from the main house. The importance of connecting the indoors to the lakeside is evident as the design balances the expansive views and comfortably integrates outdoor living. A tranquil equilibrium is obtained in the integration of home and landscape, celebrating the enjoyable qualities of lakefront living.
Meredith Gateway
Architect // Bonin Architects
Description
This home preserves the cottage aesthetic of the area through the contemporary use of classic cottage features. Brackets, balconies, and a mixture of simple exterior materials maintain the scale as both casual and comfortable. The interior design and orientation focus on the lakefront views from sunrise to sunset. With a limited area for lakeside entertaining, seamless flow between exterior and interior is critical. Large glass doors slide fully open to blur the line between indoors and landscape. Exterior spaces are tied from lower and first floor levels with skillfully placed bluestone pavers, stepping-stones, and stairs. Navigating state and municipal regulations required conscientiousness solutions to meet our client's needs. Through creative and environmentally sensitive design solutions, we improve the natural and aesthetic value of the property and lake. Highlights include a rain garden, pervious paver driveway, and re-vegetation with a mixture of River Birches, Sweet Gale, Low-bush Blueberries, and Hay-scented Fern.
