WINTER HOLBEN Wins AIANH Excellence in Architecture Award for Islington Multi-family Streetscape

February 13, 2018

Winter Holben architecture + design of Kittery, Maine, received a 2018 AIANH Excellence in Architecture Award for its Islington Street multi-family streetscape project

PORTSMOUTH, NH, February 2, 2018 — WINTER HOLBEN architecture + design of Kittery, Maine, announced the selection of its Islington Street multi-family streetscape project for a 2018 AIANH Excellence in Citation Architecture Award.

The Small Building/Small Firm award marks the two-year-old firm’s second AIANH accolade in two years and represents a successful contemporary solution that earned approval from Portsmouth’s Historic District Commission.

Founded in 2015 as a multi-disciplinary studio with a growing reputation for excellence in integrated architecture, design and branding, Winter Holben has established a niche in contemporary design in New England, including residential and commercial architecture in Portsmouth’s historic downtown. The firm has completed a handful of brewery projects in the region, including Portsmouth’s Great Rhythm Brewing Co., which won an AIANH award last year.

For the Islington project, WINTER HOLBEN worked with the Islington Street Homeowners Association to lend a contemporary update to a multi-family property along a vital downtown arts corridor. Discrete sets of entrance stairs, a new retaining wall and natural cedar screens helped modernize the 1980s building. The solution also integrated the property’s original 1870s historic granite steps and curbing. The result is a revitalized streetscape that enhances the daily living experience for homeowners and the neighborhood.

“We believe thoughtful contemporary design adds important diversity in historic neighborhoods that enhances the visitor experience and highlights true historic elements,” said Brandon Holben, principal and project architect.

This is Holben’s eighth award from the AIANH.

The jury “appreciated the connection between public and private areas,” adding “the design did a lot with a little - it really focused on improving the semi-public realm.”

“The Islington streetscape project speaks to our philosophy of approaching every project with a thoughtful design that improves the experience for both owners and the surrounding community,” said Elisa Winter Holben, one of the firm’s principals and creative director.

The AIANH Excellence in Architecture Awards Program was instituted in 1983 to provide public and professional recognition for architectural projects of design excellence by New Hampshire architects. AIANH member architects are eligible to submit projects anywhere in the world while out-of-state member architects can submit projects located in New Hampshire. Each entry is judged on overall design excellence, including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client’s program.

Project Team
Brandon Holben (Project Architect)
WINTER HOLBEN (Firm)
EJ Cheney (General Contractor)