Bonin Architects & Associates has designed this spectacular lake house, surrounded by a lush forest and overlooking beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. The values exemplified in this home reflect the mindful clients who commissioned the design.
Environmental sensitivity was a guiding principle in the project; everyone enjoyed a collaborative approach to materials research, resulting in sustainable, resilient, and low-impact choices throughout the home—the contemporary stylings of the home pair well with the forward-looking building materials selected for construction.
The exterior is clad in pre-finished cedar shingles, trimmed with an innovative poly-ash composite made from 70% recycled material. In contrast, the exterior porch surfaces are sustainable, fast-growing, long-lasting, naturally rot-resistant black locust decking. Interior flooring is solid eucalyptus, a rapidly renewable, LEED-certified product.
An innovative fireplace solution is completely electronic, provides a realistic flame but burns no fossil fuels, and runs only on water and electricity, helping achieve the goal of zero on-site fossil fuel consumption.
The site and landscape design were meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact by situating the home largely in the footprint of the old structure, protecting and preserving as many mature trees as possible.
Enhanced stormwater management practices were implemented to absorb rainwater and prevent runoff. Hardy, resilient plants, many of them native, were selected for their low maintenance and independence from irrigation.
A Closer Look at the Home’s Sustainable Design
1. Low-Impact Site Strategy
- Built largely within the footprint of the old structure
- Preservation of mature trees
- Enhanced stormwater management
- Native, low-irrigation landscaping
2. Sustainable & Renewable Materials
- Pre-finished cedar shingles (long lifespan)
- Poly-ash composite trim (70% recycled content)
- Black locust decking (fast-growing, naturally rot-resistant)
- Solid eucalyptus flooring (rapidly renewable, LEED-certified)
3. Zero On-Site Fossil Fuel Goal
- Fully electronic fireplace
- No fossil fuel combustion on-site
What We Love About This Home
This Lake Winnipesaukee home beautifully combines modern design with sustainable, nature-sensitive choices. From eco-friendly materials and zero-fossil-fuel systems to expansive forest views, every detail reflects a thoughtful, mindful approach to living in harmony with the surrounding landscape. We love so many details in this home, from the location to the refined yet inviting living spaces and the welcoming views of the lake through expansive glazing, especially from the dining room.
Tell Us: Would this Lake Winnipesaukee house be your idea of the ultimate lake house retreat? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of New Hampshire: New Hampshire dream house is a tranquil lakeside escape on Lake Wentworth and Tour this lakeside sanctuary overlooking the picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee.
PHOTOGRAPHER John W. Hession
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