2016 Excellence in Landscape Design winner: Clearview Lake Retreat

The 2016 award goes to Bonin Architects & Associates in New London

Photography courtesy of John W. Hession

Bonin Architects & Associates in New London
(603) 526-6200
www.boninarchitects.com

 The most dramatic changes to the property were removing an existing outbuilding and converting the lawn into a low-maintenance wildflower meadow that blooms throughout summer. Adjacent beds were planted with native shoreline shrubs. The driveway remained circular as a nod to the history of the property, but was modified to improve maneuverability as well as accommodate parking and a new entry to the house. Existing blacktop was replaced with more natural bluestone. Old Chester Granite Flagging, quarried nearby in Vermont, was used to create a series of steppingstone paths, a modest lakeside patio and the stacked flagstone steps that descend to lake level.

Judges said: This project is worthy of the Excellence in Landscape Design Award for its overall sensitivity to the lake environment, beautifully organized outdoor spaces, and use of local building materials and native plantings. Transitions between outdoor spaces were well designed and expertly crafted using local granite in the entry court, steps and flagging. The intimate scale of the patios appears consistent with the owners’ desire to maintain integrity of the property while enjoying views of this quiet lake.