Sustainability Meets the Shoreline
A contemporary lake house on Lake Winnipesaukee respects the land.
A contemporary take on traditional lakefront vernacular, this Lake Winnipesaukee home combines timeless design with environmental responsibility
When a Boston-area couple set out to build a waterside retreat on Lake Winnipesaukee, they wanted a home that respects the landscape as much as celebrates it. Nicknamed Isle View, the home is a contemporary take on a New England lake house, proving that timeless design and environmental responsibility are natural partners.
The open concept kitchen (above) features quartz countertops, a Bertazzoni induction range and hood, Bosch appliances and handcrafted Italian tile.
The couple took time to find the right lakefront site, some-thing with not only a view but also access to the water, where their three children could easily swim and play along the shore. They eventually bought a split-style ranch home tucked into a small cove, an intimate site looking toward a small island and the open lake. The location was perfect, but the house didn’t meet the family’s needs. Removing the structure opened the possibility of starting from scratch, honoring the landscape while creating a home featuring environmentally conscious choices. “It’s important to us to think about climate change and sustainability,” say the homeowners. “We wanted a home that would stand the test of time.”
While the lake is the focal point of the living room, other compelling elements include the electric Dimplex Optimyst fireplace as well as furnishings found online. Round rattan tables from The Citizenry.
The all-electric home has many eco-friendly elements: heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, high-performance windows and chemical-free insulation. The homeowners worked closely with project manager Jude Dallaire of Bonin Architects in New London and Meredith, and Cobb Hill Build-ers of Concord to seek out renewable, non-toxic materials with a low carbon footprint. The homeowners were involved with many of the materials selections, from choosing interior floors of eucalyptus — a durable, fast-growing natural resource — to outdoor decking made of black locust, a hardy swamp wood sourced from the American South that could withstand New Hampshire’s changing climate. “The homeowners really provided a guideline on the materials they wanted to use,” says Peter Johnson of Cobb Hill Builders. “We provided the cost analysis.”
One of the homeowners’ favorite spaces to relax, the three-season porch features screened windows that can be replaced with plexiglass inserts. The teak table and chairs were discovered on Facebook Marketplace and restored.
The design by Dallaire and fellow Bonin Architects designer Michael Pritchard combines traditional lake house vernacular with contemporary style. The home, clad in cedar shingles comprised of recycled materials, is set back from the shore and features clean lines, large windows looking toward the lake and sunny open interiors. “We’re allowed 35 feet of building height facing the lake,” says Dallaire. “The height of this home is about 28 feet so has a smaller waterfront presence, which the community appreciates.”
Located on the second floor, the master bedroom suite opens onto a small porch (above) and includes a modern ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. Tile is from Modern Dimensions Tile and Stone of Hooksett, N.H. Bathroom lighting by Hangout Lighting.
During demolition, as much of the existing landscaping as possible was preserved. The new home is partially within the footprint of the original structure, so tree removal was minimal. “We minimized land disturbance by the way we located the house,” says Senior Landscape Architect Gregory Rusnica of Bonin Architects. The homeowners opted for native plants versus sod and an irrigation system. Hardy, low-maintenance plants onsite include high and low bush blueberry bushes, fragrant sumac, Eastern serviceberry and red twig dogwood.
As a lakefront home, water management was a concern. A system of underground collection basins and piping carry accumulated rain and stormwater away from the house and into infiltration basins. At the homeowners’ request, the original asphalt driveway was replaced with hardpack gravel and pervious concrete pavers which enable runoff water to be infiltrated through open joints.
Inside, the inviting living spaces combine contemporary and traditional elements. A warm oak and aluminum stair-case combines elements of the past and present; the living room leans toward a more contemporary feel, with large windows, neutral colors, low-profile furniture and wood accents. The family eschewed a traditional fireplace, instead choosing one that combines water vapor steam with LED lights to cre-ate the ambience of a warm fire. “It looks like a real fire and helps the homeowners achieve their goal of not using any gas in the home,” says Dallaire.
The homeowners worked with Bonin Architects to ensure that their home retained as much native landscaping as possible; its design, especially facing the lake, is respectfully scaled back.
Reflecting a mix of contemporary and transitional style, the kitchen features white cabinetry and quartz countertops, accented by steel gray custom cabinetry and a butcher-block-topped island. White, hand struck porcelain subway tile on the primary wall has a unique, wavy appearance that is eye-catching and visually appealing.
Elsewhere in the home, furnishings (which are mostly secondhand), lighting and accent pieces were sourced by the homeowners from local craftsmen, small businesses on Etsy and elsewhere online, creating spaces that feel lived in versus decorated.
With its comfortable sensibility and thoughtful design, this lake home uniquely reflects its owners’ desire to reduce their environmental footprint. “I appreciate it when the home-owners are devoted to the design process from inception to completion,” says Dallaire. “This home speaks to the home-owners’ personalities and goals and that’s what we wanted to accomplish.”
PROJECT TEAM
ARCHITECT/LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:
Bonin Architects
603-526-6200
BUILDER:
Cobb Hill Construction
603-224-8373
