Enrollment and Advancement Center
Citation Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Commercial
Architect // Oak Point Associates
GC // Devoe Construction
Jury Comments
The plan is clear and logical - the architects show restraint in not allowing the project to become overly complicated. Sectionally the shed roof plays off of traditional and modern examples and provides wonderful daylighting to the interiors. The warmth of the wood ceiling is an appropriate use of timber, and along with color, creates an interior the jury would enjoy spending time experiencing. The jury commented that it would have preferred to be sitting inside the project’s conference room rather than meeting via zoom. The jury could imagine seeing the building lit up at night serving as a wonderful first impression to visitors to The University of Maine at Fort Kent campus. The jury appreciated the clarity of the plan and section drawings submitted. Durable and robust materials appear to enable this humble structure to have a long lifespan.
Description
The Enrollment & Advancement Center at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, designed by Oak Point Associates, integrates student enrollment and advancement service departments, and includes the Office of Admissions, Marketing and Communications, Advancement, and Campus Foundation. The 5,200 square foot building is the point of contact for prospective students and their parents, current and prospective donors, as well as faculty, staff and community members.
Hemlock Hollow
Citation Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Residential
Architect // Bonin Architects
GC // Old Hampshire
Jury Comments
The jury was drawn into the project via imagery that shows the home and outbuildings seamlessly integrated into the site. Towering Hemlock trees, large boulders, and a delicate shoreline are preserved and protected for current and future enjoyment. The house structure and boathouse appear to have had the surrounding landscape grow up around them - a nod to how successful the structures have been sited. Interiors provide a background to what we imagine is a great place to gather for a multi-generational family and their friends. The architects have accomplished the client’s goal of creating a home conducive “to being filled with children, grandchildren, and friends.” Oftentimes it would appear as though projects are named after places they have not enhanced - not so in the case of Hemlock Hollow. The project feels of its place - enhancing the site with its own beauty.
Description
On a peninsula with stunning views, this gently sloping property features impressive mature hemlock framing views of the lake and mountain. This multi-year project included rebuilding the home, guesthouse, boathouse, and landscape. The design is comfortable and efficient for two as their year-round residence. It also addresses the couple's goal, "to fill the home with children, grandchildren, and friends" whenever possible. Four bedrooms, open casual living spaces, a recreation room, a gym, and a reading loft are only a few amenities providing a range of opportunities for family gatherings and quiet relaxation. The guesthouse over the garage offers studio space for privacy away from the main house. The importance of connecting the indoors to the lakeside is evident as the design balances the expansive views and comfortably integrates outdoor living. A tranquil equilibrium is obtained in the integration of home and landscape, celebrating the enjoyable qualities of lakefront living.
Kensington Barn
Citation Award // Excellence in Architectural Design, Small Firm
Architect // Archiphernalia
GC // Keith McNamara Contracting
Structural Engineering // Kanayo Lala, PE
Jury Comments
The efficient budget did not limit the architect’s creativity with Kensington Barn. The bank barn typology is effective in its simplicity to allow the occupant, a woodworker, to be inspired by the architecture. Carry distances for materials are minimized while allowing the entire project to be included in this simple structure. While clearly different from the other structures on the property, the jury was impressed with the subtle reinterpretations of building massings and materials. The jury was struck by the simplicity of form of the structure as seen from the rear, through the surrounding forest.
Description
The Kensington Barn, located in New Hampshire’s seacoast region, shows that thoughtful, well-detailed, contemporary design is possible on small budget. Designed for a recent retiree and aspiring furniture maker, the goals for this woodshop and barn were simple: create an efficient workflow; minimize carrying distances for loading lumber and furniture; and maximize the design impact while keeping costs minimal. To create an efficient workspace, we designed an open floor plan with ample wall space for hanging tools and cabinetry. To minimize carrying distances, the bank barn takes advantage of the topography, allowing vehicular access to both levels. Finally, to maximize the design impact, we chose a simple gable form with a cutaway to shelter the entrances, highlighted by alternating the orientation of the cedar cladding.
