Bonin Architects Expands Services to Include Landscape Design for New Hampshire Clients

Hiring of landscape architect strengthens firm’s services and provides smart property solutions.

New London, NH (March 13, 2012) — Bonin Architects announces an expansion of the firm’s services in landscape design. With the hire of Landscape Architect Greg Rusnica, Bonin has significantly strengthened and expanded the firm’s experience and offerings to New Hampshire clients.

Rusnica graduated sum cum laude from the University of Rhode Island with his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2005 and brings experience in residential design projects, urban planning, transportation planning, and streetscape, park and waterfront design.  He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), Phi Psi Rho, Sigma Lamda Alpha (for Landscape Architects), and received the ASLA award for outstanding academic achievement. Greg has also worked on many projects for Lake Sunapee properties related to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act.

“Greg has a well rounded knowledge of architectural and landscape science and practice and takes a sustainable design approach to every project,” says Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin.  “His experience in both residential and landscape architecture allows us to respond more effectively to the needs of our clients, especially those building in the Lake Sunapee region whose properties are affected by the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act.”

“More and more of our clients ask us for holistic design solutions to their home and property challenges. By adding landscape design as a resource, we provide more comprehensive services to meet our clients’ diverse needs,” adds Kimberly Bonin, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager. “And in the New London / Sunapee area, especially, clients are looking to maximize their outdoor living areas.  Adding a landscape architect to our staff will allow clients to incorporate the outdoor areas in the beginning stages of their home design.”

New services include comprehensive master planning, landscape architecture and site design, conceptual design, sustainability design, irrigation design, visual resource planning, planting design and optional landscape construction contract administration services.

About Bonin Architects

Bonin Architects serves the Lake Sunapee, Lakes Region, Maine and NH Seacoast as well as all of New England and New York. The firm believes in taking a collaborative team approach to every project. Architectural staff works collectively, bringing an array of personal strengths and professional experience to ensure exceptional quality throughout the design process. Residential architecture expertise includes new construction, additions and renovations for clients seeking a distinctive home design. Our commitment is to artfully transform your vision into beautiful and timeless architectural designs. Landscape design services include schematic master planning, landscape construction documents, and construction contract administration.

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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, energy efficient 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.

Home Energy Credits

There's still time to qualify for home energy credits for 2011!

Make energy-saving and green-energy home improvements to your home and enjoy substantial tax savings - but only if you act before midnight on December 31, 2011!

• The 2011 credit rate is 10 percent of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements. Energy efficiency improvements include adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows and doors and certain roofs. The cost of installing these items does not count.

• The credit can also be claimed for the cost of residential energy property, including labor costs for installation. Residential energy property includes certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass fuel.

• The credit has a lifetime limit of $500, of which only $200 may be used for windows. If the total of nonbusiness energy property credits taken in prior years since 2005 is more than $500, the credit may not be claimed in 2011.

• The 2011 credit rate is 10 percent of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements. Energy efficiency improvements include adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows and doors and certain roofs. The cost of installing these items does not count.

• The credit can also be claimed for the cost of residential energy property, including labor costs for installation. Residential energy property includes certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass fuel.

• The credit has a lifetime limit of $500, of which only $200 may be used for windows. If the total of nonbusiness energy property credits taken in prior years since 2005 is more than $500, the credit may not be claimed in 2011.

Use IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits to claim the credit on your tax return.

 

Two Ways to Save Water in a Timber Home

Water management is a responsible action to take, especially when you’re planning to build a timber home.

Two money and energy-saving strategies which can be easily incorporated into a timber frame design are:

1.  Reducing overall water usage in the home by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps, and installing low-flow shower head nozzles.
2. Specifying a plumbing system that reuses grey water (wastewater from domestic usage such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) for flushing toilets, watering lawns, etc. (note: some grey water  systems require approval by most local building jurisdictions, your architect will verify this prior to design).

Implement a few simple actions to use water more efficiently and you can reduce your water and sewer bills by one third, a significant savings!  According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “If all U.S. households installed water-efficient appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year.”

It’s easy to incorporate energy efficiency in your timber home design.  Talk to Bonin Architects about your goals and ask questions about what strategies will work for your climate, budget, and home design.

Meet our Staff: Intern Architect Christopher Timberlake

Bonin Architects’ Intern Architect Christopher Timberlake obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies and his Masters degree in Architecture from Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont.

Prior to joining Bonin Architects, Chris was an architectural designer for a national timber frame company for five years and was head of the design department during his last year there.  His knowledge in sustainable design, green building materials, and energy efficient homes, high level of creativity, devotion to quality design, and professionalism benefits all of our projects. His professional experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for architecture and strong work ethic is a great asset to our company.

More about Intern Architects:

An intern architect, or sometimes an architectural intern, is a person who has successfully completed a professional degree in architecture (B.Arch or M.Arch) and is studying for the professional licensure/ registration exam.   In order to be licensed, candidates prepare for and take the Architect Registration Examination^® (ARE^®), which assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the practice of architecture.  Seven divisions make up the Architect Registration Examination:

Programming, Planning & Practice: The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues; codes and regulations; and project and practice management. 

Site Planning & Design:  The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management. 

Building Design & Construction Systems:  The application of knowledge and skills of building design and construction, including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management. 

Schematic Design:  The application of knowledge and skills required for the schematic design of buildings and interior space planning. 

Structural Systems:  Identification and incorporation of general structural and lateral force principles in the design and construction of buildings. 

Building Systems:  The evaluation, selection, and integration of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction. 

Construction Documents & Services:  Application of project management and professional practice knowledge and skills, including the preparation of contract documents and contract administration.

Giving Back to the Community: Update

R.P. Johnson’s event, We Build It Forward,  brought  community members and local businesses together to give back to neighbors, schools, parks, and landmarks in the local area.  In fact, ten projects in seven towns were completed on June 25, 2011, and included fundraisers, yard cleanups, fixing park shelters, and painting an entire house.

Bonin Architects led a team to build a community bulletin board at the Andover NH transfer station, and had help from our employees, kids, and even our clients!  Architect Jeremy Bonin designed the bulletin board - not a timber frame, but an attractive design nonetheless!

Other community projects completed were painting and repairing a picket fence at East Andover Preschool, replacing the roof on a mobile home in Sunapee, NH, building a handicap ramp, installing two storm doors and doing a yard cleanup in Sutton Mills, and cleaning up Wadleigh State Park in North Sutton.

The day was documented by The Kearsarge Chronicle.  Watch the community come together on this day of giving back, and watch for details on next year’s We Build It Forward!

R.P. Johnson & Son has called for community support and New Hampshire has answered

Andover, NH (PRWEB) June 24, 2011 

Seeing the rush of volunteers, sponsors and donated materials show up, at 8am on Saturday June 25th at R.P. Johnson and Son in Andover, NH for the We Build it Forward Outreach event will be a powerful testament to the unity and giving nature of this NH community, but no more than the outpouring of support they have already seen from area businesses and citizens in the form of thousands in event sponsorships and material donations and dozens and dozens of volunteers. Notable team leaders include special support from Bonin Architects of New London. Sponsors who went well over the call of duty include: Marvin Windows and Doors, A.W. Hastings, Co, Inc., Old Hampshire Designs and The Lions Club of Sunapee.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/346662#ixzz1QDYYluw9

Intern Architect – Christopher Presutti

Meet Chris Presutti, Bonin Architects' summer intern architect.  Chris will begin his third year in the Bachelor of Science degree program in Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston this fall.  He has an impressive portfolio and resume and is also an honorary brother and co-head of the alumni committee of Phi Sigma Pi, a National Honors Fraternity based on the three ideals of Scholarship, Fellowship, and Leadership.
 
Architect Jeremy Bonin sums it up for us: “We’re very happy to have Chris join Bonin Architects this summer – and personally, I’m excited to have an intern from my alma mater.  He is very talented and brings outstanding communication and artistic ability to the position.”

In his spare time, Chris likes to fish anyway possible, hike, and canoe. He's also an avid snowboarder since the 4th grade and LOVES to cook and travel!

NH Ski-Up at Mount Sunapee March 19, 2011

It's that time again!  Join the crowd for great spring skiing which enjoying a BBQ on "the beach" at Mount Sunapee on Saturday, March 19, 2011!  Details?

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mount Sunapee Ski Area

Skiing, Snowboarding, Networking, Tailgating, and & BBQ!

Get an all-day ski pass for $45 per person (which includes the BBQ)!  If you already have a pass or if you're not planning to ski, it's FREE - yes, FREE!  Join the fun!

To register and to see pictures of last year's event, visit these websites:

http://nhskiup1.eventbrite.com/
http://www.facebook.com/NHSkiUp
http://www.sunapeeregionblog.com/2011/02/the-2nd-annual-nh-ski-up-at-sunapee-is-here/

Bonin Named to New Hampshire’s 40 Under Forty

“Architect Jeremy Bonin sees buildings come together from the inside out.”

Jeremy Bonin, Lead Architect and Principal Partner of Bonin Architects & Associates, is included in New Hampshire Union Leader’s “40 Under Forty”, an annual honors program that highlights some of the state’s best, brightest, and youngest individuals. 

“Ten years of 40 under Forty really speaks for the success of this effort,” said Union Leader President and Publisher Joseph W. McQuaid. “It was and is intended to both showcase and honor those who are contributing so much to life in New Hampshire and to encourage others to do likewise.  There are only 24 hours in a day, but the young men and women we have honored in these classes manage to use them to the max. They add value to their communities and state in their daily endeavors, and many of them then somehow find the time to do more, all the while keeping family in focus.”

The 40 honorees will be recognized March 8^th by the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Union Leader in a reception sponsored by Citizens Bank.

Read more about Jeremy Bonin

Kimberly Bonin Named BNI Member of the Year

Kimberly Bonin was presented with the Lake Sunapee Region BNI Member of the Year award at the Business Network International Regional Conference in Portsmouth, NH on September 16, 2010. Over 150 BNI members were present at the award ceremony. Bonin was nominated unanimously by Chapter members.

Photo: Deb Johnson, Ledyard National Bank; Jeremy Bonin & Kimberly Bonin, Bonin Architects; Cathy Murray, Ledyard National Bank; Jackie Lampiasi, Bonin Architects.

Read the full Press Release here.

SIP Panel Industry Grows Market Share Despite Retreating Housing Market

Note:  This is good news from the Structural Insulated Panel industry!  If you are looking for architects experienced in SIP panels, contact us about your project!

Industry survey reveals gains in residential market share helped producers dodge full force of construction downturn



July 1, 2010 – Despite four years of declining U.S. housing starts, the structural insulated panel (SIP) industry has avoided the full force of the economic recession, according to a recent survey conducted by the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA). Results indicate that the industry experienced a 12 percent decrease in residential production volume in 2009, compared to a 28 percent drop in U.S. single family housing starts over the same time period.


2009 is the fifth consecutive year the industry has gained share in the residential market. It is now estimated that the panelized building system accounts for between one and two percent of U.S. single family home starts. SIPA Executive Director Bill Wachtler attributes much of the industry’s growth to the increasing popularity of green and energy-efficient homes. SIPs are composed of insulating foam sandwiched between two structural facings, creating an effective thermal barrier that can save homeowners up to 50 percent on heating and cooling costs.


“The rising cost of energy and concern over global climate change has really pushed green building into the mainstream,” said Wachtler. “SIPs give architects and builders an easy way to create an airtight building envelope that will improve the energy efficiency and durability of any home or light commercial building.”


Of the total 42 million square feet of SIPs produced in North America in 2009, 43 percent went to residential buildings, 32 percent to non-residential buildings, and the remaining 24 percent were used for non-building purposes, such as industrial coolers. An estimated 1,300 commercial buildings were constructed with SIPs in 2009, including schools, retail stores and agricultural buildings. Non-residential production declined 19 percent from the previous year.


“Like all industries we are affected by the recession and the drop in new construction,” said Wachtler. “But the strong market share gains we’ve experienced in the residential market indicate that the SIP industry is likely to see a significant boost in production as the economy recovers.”


Several different combinations of materials are used to construct SIPs, but the basic concept remains the same. The most popular facing materials are oriented strand board (OSB) and metal. Plywood and other materials such as fiber cement board accounted for only 6 percent of SIPs used in building applications.


The survey also polled SIP manufacturers regarding their geographic distribution. The top ranking regions for SIP use were the Mountain, East North Central (upper Midwest), and Pacific regions.


About SIPA
The Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) is a non-profit association representing manufacturers, suppliers, dealer/distributors, design professionals, and builders committed to providing quality structural insulated panels for all segments of the construction industry.


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Meet Bonin Architects’ New Intern Architect

We’ve added another associate to our architectural firm!

Intern Architect Jamie Gillon comes to Bonin Architects & Associates from Pittsfield, Massachusetts and has over seven years’ experience in high end residential, restaurant, and financial institution design. He received both his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Masters of Architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.

With Bonin Architects, Jamie will be involved in all aspects of the design process, working directly with clients, builders, and engineers on timber homes as well as our conventional and hybrid homes.

Outside of work, Jamie has utilized his architectural skills with Habitat for Humanity, and also was a finalist in the AIA’s 2009 Young Architect’s Forum competition.

Welcome, Jamie! 

Home Renovations: Hire an Architect

If you are undertaking a home renovation project, which could include renovating, remodeling, or a complete tear down, consider using an architect, even if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Why?

Here is Popular Mechanics' article “5 Reasons Architects Are Worth the Money to Redo Your Home” by Joseph Truini:

"If you're like most homeowners, you probably dream of one day completing a major home-remodeling project. And I'm not talking about retiling a tub here. This is the once-in-a-lifetime renovation—the kind that dramatically changes how you live, energizes the entire household, and makes all the neighbors really jealous. Perhaps your dream is to build a two-story addition with a family room below and a master bedroom and bath above. Or maybe you've always wanted to expand the kitchen and install French doors leading to a wraparound deck. Regardless of what your dream entails, all major remodeling projects can benefit from the expert design help of an experienced, licensed architect. I know what you're thinking: Architects are way too expensive and only necessary when building multimillion-dollar homes—and last week's economic roller coaster isn't helping any. The truth is, architects are well worth the extra cost on large remodeling jobs because with thoughtful evaluation and design, they can meet—and often exceed—your expectations. In fact, depending on the size or complexity of the remodeling, calling in an architect might be the only way to get the project off the ground, and to ensure your dream comes true. Here's why you consider taking the plunge if you're gung ho about a large-scale redux on the house.

1. To See the Big Picture
An architect has the training and skill to produce a detailed design based on your particular needs and desires—a design that's sensitive to the architecture of your existing home, and scaled to the proper proportions. However, what truly makes an architect valuable is the ability to develop and refine a vision of the completed project that you can see and understand. And architects are experts at seeing not only the big picture, but also the hundreds of tiny steps between concept and completion."

Read more: Popular Mechanics

Television Interview with NH Architect Jeremy Bonin

Kearsarge Valley Magazine recently interviewed Jeremy Bonin about our architectural services for timber homes. Watch the interview here:




For more information on Bonin Architects, including our architectural fees, please visit our website! We'd love to hear about your plans to build an energy efficient timber home!

Open House Success!

Thanks to everyone who came by to say hello at our Grand Opening and Open House last week! We were pleasantly surprised to have so many business owners and residents stop by to introduce themselves and learn a little about Bonin Architects.

Ellie’s Café provided hot hors d'œuvres for the event, and Kimberly and Jeremy Bonin shared cake with guests to celebrate our Grand Opening.

For a while there was barely room to move!

A big thanks, too, to the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Open House for the Baynham’s Square businesses. Many of the Board Members came to welcome us to the community and comment on our beautiful office space. Baynham’s owner, Tom Vaughn, was on hand for the festivities and received many compliments on the great businesses occupying the Square.

If you didn’t get a chance to come to the Open House, please stop in the next time you’re in New London!

NH Green Architects Open House

Open House & Business After Hours
Bonin Architects & Associates
Baynham’s Square
209 Main Street, New London, NH 03257

Thursday, October 29, 2009
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Come say hello and help us celebrate our relocation to New London! Light refreshments by Ellie’s Café & Deli.

Also having Open Houses the same day and time are the other Baynham’s Square businesses: Ellie’s Café & Deli, Vessels & Jewels and The Banks Gallery. We look forward to meeting you!

Free; please RSVP by October 28, 2009 to kim@boninarchitects.com

Housing Tax Credit Extension?

WASHINGTON, Wednesday October 21, 2009 (Reuters, by Jeff Mason)

The Obama administration is still considering extending a popular housing tax credit but is weighing that against efforts to bring down the federal deficit, senior White House officials said on Wednesday.

The $8,000 tax credit, which will expire at the end of November, has boosted home sales in recent months, helping to revive a flagging housing market, which was a major factor driving the United States into a recession.

Lawrence Summers, top economic adviser to President Barack Obama, told Reuters there was a case to be made for extending the credit "in terms of supporting the housing market."

But he added: "At the same time, we can't afford everything for which there is a case."


Read the full article here.

Building a New Home: Selecting the Right Location

If you are thinking of building a new home, choosing the right location is paramount. When considering a particular city or town as a potential area to build a home, establish a list of priorities for things such as:

• The distance you would travel to work or school
• The quality of the school system
• The traffic flow and any hazards to driving
• Proximity to recreation, shopping, places of worship, and medical facilities
• Town property taxes and insurance rates
• Land Use or development regulations such as the Shoreland Protection Act in NH
• How well the town matches your lifestyle

Your new home will, of course, be the central part of your family’s lives; but also important to consider is its market value. Realtors and bankers in the area will be able to provide valuable information on the housing market in the area in which you are planning to build. They will also provide other important details about the area, including any ongoing or future development plans that might affect your lot, water quality, and possible noise and environmental pollution and other hazards.

New London New Hampshire Office Relocation!

Bonin Architects is excited to announce the opening of our new office located at 209 Main Street, New London, New Hampshire, next to Ellie’s Café.

Our new office is a two-story 1,449 square foot craftsman-style building, a signature facility which reflects our culture and the way we work with our clients. The first floor has a large conference table to accommodate large project meetings with clients and builders, as well as a separate seating area around a gas fireplace for more informal client appointments. In addition to meeting space, the upstairs has plenty of room for our design and project management staff and will also allow us to grow.

Despite the declining economy over the past year, Bonin Architects has continued to stay busy. Asked what has contributed to our growth, Principal Partner and Executive Project Manager Kimberly Bonin explains, “We offer home design and full architectural services, as well as project management to clients who want us to manage the construction of their new home. Our Principal Architect, Jeremy Bonin, is licensed in eight states (ME, NH, VT, NY, MA, RI, CT, and PA) and is a member of the AIA with a diverse background in commercial and residential design. He is also a LEED accredited professional and an expert in the green building industry. Our priority is listening to our clients’ wants and needs, including their goals for energy efficiency, and then working with them to design a home that fits their lifestyle – and their budgets.”

The new office is located in Baynham’s Square, the “gathering place” of New London. Other businesses in Baynham’s Square besides Ellie’s Café and Bonin Architects are Vessels & Jewels and The Banks Gallery. “Many of the locals have already stopped in to welcome us to the neighborhood. We’re definitely looking forward to having our client and project meetings in our new space and are already enjoying having our business in such a friendly community,” Kim adds.

Stop by to say hello the next time you are travelling through New London!