AIA New Hampshire honored six firms with design awards for nine different projects. The component also presented special Honor Awards to: Karen Roberge, Lavallee Brensinger, and Fred Matuszewski, AIA, CMK Architects, for graphic design work and commitment to the success of the AIA New England Conference; John Merkle AIA, for promoting excellence in the profession, guidance in organizing the AIA New England conference, and his service on the AIANH Board of Directors; outgoing President Leslie Thomas, AIA, for her leadership; and Lafe Covill, Assoc. AIA, for his service on the Board and his commitment to the architect interns in New Hampshire. The AIA New Hampshire awards jury featured Jack Franzen, FAIA; Robert Charney, AIA; and Jonathan Wagner, AIA, all of AIA Connecticut.

Dartmouth Skiway Base Lodge, Lyme, New Hampshire, by Banwell Architects, Lebanon.
The lodge is an environmentally responsible building designed to satisfy a number of objectives, including honoring the long history of the Dartmouth Skiway. The jurors liked the humble, straightforward design for this project. "It is well-sited and not overly romantic for what it is."

Private home, by Christopher P. Williams Architects, Meredith.
Located on a quiet lake cove, the building program included renovations to an existing 1920s camp and a new year-round three bedroom addition. The jury said: "The new building and the old sit comfortably together. The design is elegant and simple. Exceptional! I can feel the pine needles going up to the door."

Pettee Hall, University of New Hampshire in Durham and The Forum, a classroom building at the Waring School, Beverly, Mass., by JSA Inc. Architects and Planners, Portsmouth.
The jurors appreciated the architect's attempt to remain sympathetic to the original building while creating a new building. "A quiet, quality building. This is one of the hardest things to do in preservation. They have distinguished the building." The jurors also like the second project, The Forum, because of the abstract nature of the building, the way in which the lab's configuration can be altered, and the detailing, which incorporates natural elements into the design.

Littleton Regional Hospital, Littleton, and University of New Hampshire in Manchester, mill yard renovation, by Lavellee Brensinger, P.A., Manchester.
The jurors were impressed with the way the hospital fits into the landscape, reflects the spirit of New Hampshire, and avoids the "corporateness of hospitals these days." The jurors applauded the university project for its light-hearted use of materials and the excellent circulation of the plan.

Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, Newbury, Mass., by TMS Architects, Portsmouth.
A new building sensitively integrated into an historic residential neighborhood, the jurors said, "This kind of amenity in a branch bank is very nice. The architects created a handsome building that maintains the flavor of the town."

Two awards went to Samyn D'Elia Architects P.A. of Ashland, NH, for two residences.
The firm received the first honor for a mountain home in northern New Hampshire and the second award for a private New Hampshire lakeside retreat in Center Harbor. The retreat was also the winner of the People's Choice Award.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.