Author Archives: Chuck Sink Link

Meridian Construction Wins Best of the Lakes Region Gold Award – Construction Management

We are proud of our team and grateful to all who voted Meridian Construction as the Best Construction Management Company in the Best of the Lakes Region competition. The winners were officially announced June 26, 2025.

The project that tipped the scales for us also won 3 other prestigious construction awards for its architectural sophistication, beauty, engineering and construction excellence.

We wish to thank the Laconia Daily Sun, our employees & subs, clients and all who gave us their votes. Thank you! We appreciate you!

 

Hat Trick: One Lake House Project Wins Three Major Awards in the Same Year

Home of the Year x 2 + Excellence in Construction = the Trifecta!

Coming at the heels of two recent industry awards, Meridian Construction has secured a remarkable hat trick of construction industry recognition, winning three prestigious construction awards in 2024 for our Lake Winnipesaukee Modern Estate project. The latest honor is the 2024 Home of the Year Gold Award from the New Hampshire Home Builders Association – Cornerstone Awards which cements this extraordinary lakeside estate as the pinnacle of homebuilding excellence in New Hampshire.

This newest accolade follows two previous 2024 awards:

Winning two Home of the Year titles from both New Hampshire Home Magazine and the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, along with an award for construction excellence from Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT, underscores the exceptional design, quality, and craftsmanship of this landmark residence.

“This project is truly something special,” said Tim Long, President of Meridian Construction. “To receive three major industry awards in one year is an honor that speaks to the dedication of our team and the vision of the architects and clients we’re fortunate to work with.”

Designed in collaboration with Marcus Gleysteen Architects and Blue Hour Design, the property features a contemporary three-building compound that blends innovative modern architecture with estate-style outdoor living spaces and waterfront integration, thanks in large part to landscaping design by Greg Lombardi Design. Meridian’s expertise in construction management; smart scheduling, value engineering, and valued partnerships ensured the project was completed on time and within budget—despite the design’s sophistication and the environmental challenges of building on a narrow peninsula.

The project has also been prominently featured in New Hampshire Home and New England Home magazines, further solidifying its place among the most distinguished homes throughout the New England region.

Meridian Construction’s Modern Estate Project Wins Prestigious Awards

Updated: From the earliest conversations to putting the finishing touches on one of our recent projects, we hadn’t the slightest notion that the architects would win the 2024 Home of the Year as well as the Architectural: Modern awards for this home design.

Subsequently, the project also won an Award of Merit in the ABC Excellence in Construction Awards for Residential over $1 million. We share our most recent press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Meridian Construction’s Modern Estate Project Wins Multiple Prestigious Awards

Gilford, NH – November 1, 2024 – Meridian Construction has announced that its Modern Estate project on Lake Winnipesaukee has garnered three prominent awards, solidifying its reputation for excellence in luxury residential construction. The sprawling lakeside compound recently received the 2024 New Hampshire Home Design Awards for Home of the Year and Architectural Design: Modern, as well as the 2024 ABC New Hampshire/Vermont Excellence in Construction Merit Award. This achievement, along with the project’s recent feature articles in New Hampshire Home and New England Home magazines, highlight the exceptional collaboration and execution behind this one-of-a-kind lakeshore home.

The property, a modern three-building family compound nestled in a peninsula on Lake Winnipesaukee, was praised for its innovative architectural design, thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape, and superior construction quality. New Hampshire Home described the estate as “a contemporary haven that marries luxury with the natural beauty of its lakefront setting,” and highlighted the unique challenges Meridian Construction overcame to achieve the seamless aesthetic and structural integrity of this complex build.

This all-season residence stands as a testament to contemporary design blended seamlessly with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architects, Marcus Gleysteen Architects, in collaboration with Blue Hour Design, and landscape design by Greg Lombardi Design, the home features architectural elements that maximize views of the lake and surrounding mountains while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Large glass facades, robust materials, and boldly welcoming interiors characterize this award-winning design.

“This project represents some of our best work, showcasing how a client’s vision, an architect’s creativity, and a committed construction team can come together to create something truly remarkable,” stated Tim Long, President of Meridian Construction. “Our team worked tirelessly to balance the challenges of a unique peninsula site with the client’s need to use the property throughout the year. We met the challenge of creating a stately home that harmonizes perfectly with the Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline environment.”

Meridian Construction’s commitment to innovation and quality control, including dedicated project management and technology-enabled scheduling practices, was instrumental in delivering this project on time and within budget. The firm’s collaborative approach, combined with adaptability in overcoming supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores Meridian’s dedication to bringing complex architectural visions to life despite facing headwinds.

Pushing the Creative Boundaries

The main house features an open-concept layout that offers a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, essential for lakefront living. Advanced environmental technologies were integrated to ensure that the home is both energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive.

The designer’s vision was to create a space that feels both expansive and intimate, a sanctuary that connects the occupants with the lake, the sky and each other. Meridian Construction was pivotal in realizing this vision. Decades of expertise in navigating the complexities of lakeshore construction allowed them confidence to push the boundaries of design and functionality.

Winning Attributes

One award judge commented, “With its thoughtful massing and harmonizing interiors, this home is confident and playful, bold and inviting. Out of a group of highly designed homes, this home and its setting stand out.”

The property was constructed with meticulous attention to details. The senior-level craftsmanship of true artisans not only fulfilled the architectural goals but also ensured that the home would stand as a lasting contribution to New Hampshire’s architectural heritage. It also reaffirms the company’s position as a leader in the construction of fine properties in New Hampshire.

Navigating the Waters of New Hampshire Lakefront Construction

Lake Winnipesaukee is a truly amazing place for those dreaming of a custom lakefront home. However, construction on its shores involves a careful balancing act of obtaining the right permits, respecting the ecosystem, and achieving a fitting architectural excellence. Honing decades of experience in lakefront building, Meridian Construction is mastering this art, blending our unique skills with the talents of architects, engineers, and craftsmen, as well as working closely with local permitting officials.

Lakefront Building Challenges

Building a home on Lake Winnipesaukee is a journey through a labyrinth of environmental regulations and zoning laws designed to preserve the lake’s pristine beauty. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services necessitates permits for activities like installing docks or stabilizing shorelines​​. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial, as the lake’s ecosystem is threatened by factors like stormwater runoff, invasive species, and erosion​​.

Knowing how to interface and communicate with local zoning departments in the Lake Winnipesaukee area – from towns like Alton, Gilford and Laconia to Meredith, Wolfeboro, Moultonborough and Tuftonborough – is a fundamental step in the planning process, requiring keen understanding and adherence to specific rules and guidelines​​.

The Meridian Advantage

This is where Meridian Construction steps in. Our longstanding experience in lakefront construction is not just about erecting structures; it’s about creating harmony between your dream home and the lake’s delicate ecosystem. Our collaborative approach with skilled architects and engineers, coupled with our strong relationships with local permitting officials, streamlines the complex process, turning challenges into opportunities.

Our team understands the unique aspects of building in such sensitive environments. We navigate the intricacies of permits and regulations with finesse, ensuring that our clients’ visions for their estate homes are realized without compromising environmental integrity.

Rewards of Lakefront Living

Aside from these challenges, the rewards of building on Lake Winnipesaukee are unparalleled. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, with a view that changes with the seasons but remains consistently breathtaking. Lake Winnipesaukee is not just a location; it’s a lifestyle – offering a blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and a multitude of recreational activities.

Furthermore, a custom-built estate on these shores is more than a home; it’s a legacy. Such properties are highly sought after, not only for their aesthetic and recreational appeal but also as valuable investments.

High Investment Value

Due to its tremendous popularity and the limited availability of lakefront property, homes on Lake Winnipesaukee have proven to be valuable investments. In fact, lakefront property has been shown to be one of the safest investments for asset preservation among all asset classes. The unique combination of rare ecological features, pristine beauty and vibrant lifestyle in New Hampshire’s lakes region promise growing demand and offer lake house owners the potential for significant property value appreciation.

Environmental Stewardship and Custom Design

At Meridian Construction, we believe in environmental stewardship. Our construction practices are designed to endure for generations, and to preserve the lake’s natural beauty. From implementing erosion control measures to choosing sturdy and sustainable materials, every decision is made with quality in mind.

Our design collaboration process is equally thoughtful. We work closely with our clients and the architects, listening to their desires and dreams, and translating these into architectural masterpieces that reflect their personality and lifestyle, all while respecting the lake’s character and beauty.

Ready for the Lake Life?

Building a custom estate home on Lake Winnipesaukee with Meridian Construction is an assurance of a process almost as enjoyable as the lake life itself. Our expertise in navigating the challenges and maximizing the rewards of lakefront construction ensures that your journey to realizing your dream home is smooth and fulfilling.

As you envision your future on Lake Winnipesaukee, consider Meridian Construction, where we meld our construction mastery with a deep respect for this magnificent lake, crafting homes that are not just structures, but sanctuaries.

For more information on our projects and services, contact us for conversation. Together, we can create a place where luxury meets sustainability, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

How Construction Teams Leverage Technology to Improve the Building Process

Our construction crews and contractor partners have been using continuously advancing technology for decades. In recent years, the construction industry has seen an influx of modern digital technologies that make building methods more efficient and effective. From BIM software to drones to 3D printing, there are many ways that we are leveraging technology to design and build more energy efficient homes and commercial buildings. Let’s explore how some of these innovative tools are being used in the field.

Drone Technology

UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), more commonly known as drones, have become one of the most important technologies used on construction sites. Drones can be used for a wide range of tasks such as surveying land, mapping out sites and inspecting structures without putting people at risk. They also help reduce costs associated with labor since they can get the job done faster than traditional inspection methods. Meridian has made extensive use of drone photography and videography to capture finished building images that only a controlled aerial view can provide.

3D Printing

With 3D printing, it is now possible to produce physical prototypes quickly and accurately. This helps save money by eliminating the margin of error and costly mistakes that might otherwise be made by hand. This technology is also being used to create custom parts or pieces for structures that cannot be sourced through traditional manufacturing channels. This can help reduce time spent on sourcing materials and keeps projects on track. Additionally, 3D printing can help reduce waste since only the exact amount of material needed is used in production.

BIM Software

Building Information Modeling (BIM) integrated with project management software helps streamline operations by providing a unified platform for viewing all project data in one place. This makes it easier for team members like architects, owners, construction managers, and subcontractors to collaborate and stay up-to-date on project changes quickly. Potential issues can be addressed before they become a problem. Collaborators can see everything they need to execute on a day-to-day basis.

BIM software also provides valuable early insights into energy efficiency which is essential when constructing sustainable buildings or homes. For example, BIM software can indicate areas of possible air leakages from windows or doors or other parts of the building envelope which could significantly increase energy bills if not addressed properly during construction phases.

Always Learning

Technology is having a major impact on the way we approach building processes as it continues to advance. By leveraging drone technology, 3D printing, BIM software and other modern tools, teams are able to minimize costs associated with labor and materials while creating more efficient homes and buildings that use less energy.

At Meridian Construction we understand how important it is to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in order to provide our clients with exceptional workmanship every time. If you’d like to learn more about some of the latest technologies used to leverage building efficiency and quality, feel free to contact us online or call 603-527-0101.

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Accelerated Renovations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Phase 1 Renovations Completed in 10 Weeks

Gilford, New Hampshire – November 1, 2022:  Meridian Construction is serving as construction manager for major building renovations at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. With the first phase completed in time for the 2022-2023 school year, additional construction work is scheduled for the gymnasium and two new additions over the next 2 years.

Accelerated Timeline

When the school session ended in June of this year, Meridian Construction went to work and renovated 80,000 square feet of interior space. In only 10 weeks and before school resumed, the newly renovated interior was ready. Students were welcomed back to freshly upgraded, safer and more energy-efficient athletic spaces, locker rooms, hallways, bathrooms and classroom facilities.

Renovations included:

  • Demolition and abatement of HazMat
  • New life safety sprinkler systems throughout half of the school
  • New acoustical ceilings
  • New flooring
  • Electrostatic painting of Hallway lockers
  • Modern LED Lighting replaced throughout
  • New signage installed and painted
  • 8 fully renovated student bathrooms
  • Girls locker room renovation
  • New stair treads installed on 5 stairways

During a recent project debriefing, Meridian’s president, Tim Long stated, “We are truly honored to have earned the trust and confidence of the St. Thomas Aquinas Board, their leadership and staff, and of course, the architects at Oak Point Associates. The success of phase 1 is a testament of what a true partnership looks like when everyone pulls together, when we communicate often and push to the goal line. And we did this despite labor shortages and supply chain problems. I’m proud of this team for applying the Meridian ‘never-give-up’ mentality which we always strive to instill throughout our company.”

The next phase planned for summer 2023 will include completing the upgraded sprinkler systems throughout, installing new life safety systems (fire alarms and misc. safety upgrades), and completely renovating the gymnasium. A third phase includes a new building addition and a new freestanding chapel. The plan also includes new access control systems, new windows and exterior work throughout the school.

Synergizing Skills in Commercial and Residential Construction

 

Here in New Hampshire, it’s relatively common for building contractors to take on both commercial and home building projects. This is not so in other parts of New England, especially to our south. Contractors tend to either be Commercial or Residential builders but not both. This makes sense because each category requires different sets of expertise even as some areas overlap.

In the less urban areas of NH (most of it), commercial jobs tend to be smaller in scope and include things like boutique retail shops & malls, dental, medical and professional offices. Therefore, numerous contractors in NH who mostly build homes are happy to take on the smaller commercial projects. Fortunately, the professionals in our industry know their limits and most of them stick to what they can best handle. The larger industrial, institutional, corporate and municipal facilities are fewer yet prized by the larger contractors in our state and we gladly compete for our share.

Cross-Category Construction Management

Generally speaking, project scope and architecture are the major differences between commercial buildings and homes. However, there are plenty of situations in which an exceptional custom home requires the same scale of site planning, engineering, materials and capabilities as small and medium sized commercial projects. And in many cases, there is greater scrutiny of the finished work in a custom luxury home as it meets its owner’s highest expectations.

Bridging Project Scope, Building Science, and Art

As noted, today’s distinctive and larger scale residences take on the engineering and budgetary scope of a significant commercial project. Everything from environmental impact studies to final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy require rigorous planning, execution and follow through.

Meridian Construction is one of the few commercial Construction Managers in New Hampshire that proudly showcases some of the amazing lake homes we’ve built in addition to our extensive commercial project portfolio. Understandably, many commercial builders want to be known only in the commercial real estate world. Meridian’s clients, on the other hand, understand that our cross-category expertise only adds value to the end results of their buildings and grounds, whether a business, institution or domicile.

Leveraging Assets

We’re grateful for our lasting and solid relationships in both the commercial and residential architecture and engineering communities. Meridian Construction has worked very hard over 3 decades to build our financial strength to handle larger projects and apply leverage where and when we need to. In fact, during the height of the Covid building materials crisis, we completed a major new multipurpose school building within budget and on time as a direct result of our supplier relationships and financial leverage.

Whether it’s an educational, industrial or municipal building, or even the dream home you’ll pass on to future generations, consider working with the team at Meridian Construction. We’re building the future and building dreams.

Focused on Results

We appreciate the opportunity to describe our strategic approach to growing as a builder and construction manager in New Hampshire. How well has it worked? The proof is in the buildings. We offer you a video tour for a closer look at select properties in both our Commercial and Residential project portfolios.

Meridian Residential Projects

Meridian Commercial Projects

Saint Sebastian Hall at Saint Patrick Academy

Meridian Construction Helps Celebrate Grand Opening of St. Sebastian Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gilford, New Hampshire – October 14, 2021:  Meridian Construction served as general contractor for the construction of a 17,000 sq ft multipurpose facility for 150-year-old St. Patrick Academy in Portsmouth, NH. The Certificate of Occupancy was granted August 16, 2021 and on September 8, the school held a grand opening ceremony attended by students, staff, family. Also present were representatives from Meridian Construction, architectural firm Oak Point Associates and Altus Engineering.

Designed by Oak Point Associates, St. Sebastian Hall boasts classrooms, locker rooms, arts areas and a multisport facility for basketball, volleyball, futsal, tennis and more. As experts in modern school construction with several notable projects to their name, Meridian Construction was the ideal construction management firm to partner with the architects at Oak Point.

Understanding that school buildings are the places where students need to grow and thrive, Meridian Constructions puts industry innovations into place to create spaces that empower not just today’s thinkers and doers, but our future’s as well. For St. Patrick Academy, it’s about nurturing the development of mind, body and spirit.

St. Patrick’s needed a gymnasium, but they needed more than that. As a growing school responsible for the academic, physical and spiritual education of close to 100 students from kindergarten through grade eight, they couldn’t devote their budget or physical footprint to a single-purpose space. They needed builders who excel at mixed-use spaces. Meridian Construction built St. Sebastian Hall to fulfill multiple needs. The building expands the school in size and scope by adding flexible teaching and core space. The space also allows for musicals and performing arts, plus STEM, robotics and coding. After the close of each school year, it will provide a central location to host summer programming.

Modern building design and construction techniques produced an energy-efficient facility that uses radiant-heated floors and ingenious ventilation to maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Care was put into creating spaces with diffused natural lighting for the mental and physical well-being of the building’s occupants.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Tim Long, president of Meridian Construction, said, “It’s a proud moment today here in Portsmouth, with the building of St. Sebastian Hall for St. Patrick Academy. It’s an amazing design and facility that I think will stand here for the test of time and build all kinds of young people going forward.”

St. Sebastian Hall was the product of a community effort made possible by St. Patrick Academy’s Hope for Tomorrow Foundation, which raised funds for the new building. And now, that community is blessed with a modern, multifunction, highly efficient new facility that resulted from the inspired design of Oak Point combined with the talented and skilled execution of Meridian Construction’s team.

 

News Contact:

Tim Long

President, Meridian Construction

tim@meridiannh.com | (603) 527-0101 Ext. 106

View more information here: https://youtu.be/PDg5Ei6B4lM

Innovations in Heating, Cooling and Lighting Systems

Consider what type of heating system you wish you install when building your home or business facilities. The EPA ranks geothermal heating systems as the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective temperature conditioning systems.

Is a Geothermal System an Option for Your Building?

Geothermal systems use a pump to transport air between your home and the earth. In the winter, warm air underground is brought up into your home through forced air or radiant floor heating systems. The process is reversed in the summer, where warm air is pumped out of your home and transported underground to be cooled. The constant temperature of the earth makes geothermal units twice as efficient as traditional air conditioners or heat pumps. They also require little maintenance, saving you from the hassle of costly repairs.

Of course, it’s important to note that not all building lots can support geothermal systems due to various underground conditions but they are becoming more popular wherever they are feasible.

Meridian Construction recently installed a state of the art geothermal HVAC system for the Bedford Public Library where the site conditions are suitable for geothermal. This project was made possible through grants from the New Hampshire Governor and Executive Council, Public Utilities Commission Renewable Energy Fund and Eversource Energy.

LED Lighting Now Lightyears Ahead!

Widespread use of LED lights inside and outside your buildings adds up to big savings in electricity. LED light replacements are superior to incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen bulbs in terms of longevity, energy consumption, and maintenance costs. They throw off a comfortable yet bright light for better evening vision. They’ve become so prevalent, that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that LEDs will save Americans up to 190 terawatt hours of electricity per year by 2030.

Sustainability Incentives

You can make the most of your home’s electricity through products that are Energy Star compliant. These products are certified to use 10 to 50 percent less energy than “standard” appliances. Anything from refrigerators to clothes washers can be eligible for an Energy Star certification. Many people have shown a willingness to pay more for Energy Star certified products in order to save money in energy over the products’ lifetime.

More and more people are utilizing some degree of energy efficient technology or sustainable (green) building practice in their homes. One nationwide program, LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has seen the number of homes it certifies skyrocket between 2011 and today. There was a time when people were reluctant to go green, due to high costs and inefficient technology. Now, it’s possible to enjoy the highest quality home of your dreams as well as the peace of mind that comes from being a good steward of the environment.