2014 Green Design Winner: Hillside Home

Architect: Bonin Architects in New London   
526-6200
www.boninarchitects.com

This four-bedroom home was designed to address the clients’ concern for the environment, and accommodate extended family stays and entertaining large groups of friends. The home meets Energy Star Certification, and its timber frame (by Timberpeg in Claremont) has structural insulated panels (SIPs). A continuous high R-value envelope is meticulously air-sealed and uses balanced heat-recovery ventilation. Solar hot water and geothermal heating systems lower energy costs and eliminate on-site fossil fuel for heating. Materials were sourced from New Hampshire and Vermont companies. Sealants, adhesives and paints are all low- or no-VOC products.

One hundred percent of storm water runoff is collected and filtered to protect the water quality of the lake, preventing erosion and siltation in accordance with (and exceeding guidelines for) the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act.

Judges said that “this project was extremely successful at achieving its green mandate. Basic construction principles, building systems and use of materials were all oriented toward creating an energy-efficient and sustainable home. The low-key nature of the architecture and reliance on regional forms and materials was also noted.”