Home And Garden

Friday, October 28, 2011

A New Thermostat that “Learns”?

12:20 PM Admin

Some of us are frustrated at the changing of the seasons – not because it's time to bring out the sweaters and coats, but because we have to find the directions on how to reprogram the thermostat!

Nest | The Learning Thermostat

The new Nest Learning Thermostat might be the answer. Developed former Apple executives Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, the Nest is said to be user-friendly with updateable software and nominal installation requirements. Best of all, the Nest is easy to operate: simply turn the dial to set the temperature as each day progresses on the screen. After a week the Nest has stored and “learned” the data to keep replicating the first week’s settings. Better yet, it has a motion sensor that can detect when the house is unoccupied, called Auto-Away™. Auto-Away turns heating and cooling down automatically when no one is home, saving energy for you when no one is home.

Want to know if you’re saving energy? It’s simple: look for the Nest Leaf on the screen.

The Nest is a great way to see if you're saving energy every day. Whether you're putting it in your primary residence or vacation home, Bonin Architects gives the Nest a thumbs up!

Bonin Named 2011 BNI Member of the Year

12:26 PM Admin

For the second year in a row, Kimberly Bonin was voted Member of the Year of the Lake Sunapee Region Chapter BNI (Business Networking International).

Kimberly Bonin, Mike Roberts,and Carol Williams

Over 200 members from BNI Chapters throughout New Hampshire attended the awards dinner October 6^th at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire where Mike Roberts, BNI New Hampshire Executive Director, presented Kim with her award. The Member of the Year Award recognizes a BNI member for their exceptional leadership skills, attitude, attendance, quality of referrals, and contribution to the growth of the chapter.

Receiving the BNI Chapter’s “Givers Gain” award was Carol Williams of Efficiency Productivity Systems (EPS), which recognizes a member who excels in giving business referrals and other forms of direct support to their fellow BNI members without the expectation of receiving anything in return.

Upper Valley Home Improvement Guide

1:16 PM Admin

Did you see the article on Bonin Architect's lakefront cottage project makeover in the Upper Valley Home Improvement Guide?

This great cottage has won several design build awards, including a Merit Award and the People's Choice Award from the 2011 AIANH Excellence in Architecture Awards!

The homeowners were involved from conception to completion, reusing every bit of material they could in the cottage renovation.

Missed that issue? Read all about this cottage on our website at http://www.boninarchitects.com/lakefrontcottage.html.

Renovation Architecture

10:52 AM Admin

We had the opportunity to complete a home renovation design for a 1970’s lake cottage with the intent of using it as a primary residence.

Whole House Renovation

Old-style wood paneling was replaced with attractive wainscoting to lighten the space. Carpeting was ripped up, and the existing wood floors were refinished, and windows and doors were replaced with energy efficient modern units. Beams and T&G decking on the ceiling were kept exposed and refinished.

The architects redesigned the small kitchen from a galley-style to U-shaped to create a spacious workspace and maximize the limited space. A large island placed between the kitchen and the dining area provides working space to the kitchen while providing an informal seating area for breakfast or tea.

Side-by-side sliding doors were replaced with Eagle French doors, and glazing above the doors was changed to half rounds instead of triangular to create a modern look.

A custom wet bar by Vermont Custom Cabinetry is handy for entertaining and providing a nice transition between the dining and living rooms.

Three Reasons to Use an Architect

1:08 PM Admin

Thinking of building or remodeling? Consider using an architect. Why?

Reason #1: Architects save money.

An architect's services are a wise investment because a well-conceived and designed project can be built more efficiently and economically. As ideas evolve, changes can be made on a computer screen or paper much less expensively than when construction is under way. Other ways architect-designed projects save money include:

Designs that take full advantage of solar heat and natural lighting to save on energy needs.

Flexible design solutions that accommodate future growth and usage needs.

Accurate construction costs based on detailed drawings and specifications that result in quality materials and workmanship at a fair market price.

Materials, finishes, and design solutions that reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Homes that sell faster and increase in value at resale.

Reason #2: Architects solve problems.

The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide the design and construction process. This broad knowledge helps architects focus individual home owners' needs to maximize their investment in livable square footage on time and within budget.
Architects stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tile, paint finishes, and other building materials to ensure a smooth and cost-effective building process.

Reason #3: Architects see the big picture.

Few people realize how complicated it is to build until they find themselves lost in a maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, and contractors. Architects don't just design four walls and a roof; they create total environments, interiors and exteriors that satisfy specific needs and functions. If a project requires engineering or other construction services, an architect can coordinate the team of experts.

An architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws and can locate qualified contractors, visiting the construction site to ensure that the project is built according to plans and specifications.

Source: www.aia.org