Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect

Tred Avon River House

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

TRED AVON RIVER HOUSE

Robert M. Gurney Architect

ARCHITECTS
Robert M. Gurney Architect

PHOTOGRAPHER
Maxwell MacKenzie

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Easton, united states

CATEGORY
House

Text description provided by architect.

Easton, Maryland, located in Talbot County on Maryland’s eastern shore, was established in 1710. Easton remains largely agrarian, with numerous farms interspersed among area’s many waterways.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Diverging from several acres of cornfields, a one-quarter mile road lined with pine trees terminates at a diamond-shaped tract of land with breathtaking views of the Tred Avon River.

Arising from the gravel drive and hedge-lined parking court, this new house is unveiled as three solid volumes, linked together with glass bridges, suspended above the landscape. 

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The central, 36-foot high volume is mostly devoid of fenestration, punctuated only by the recessed 10-foot high entry door and narrow sidelights. 

The contrasting 12-foot high western volume contains a garage and additional service space, while the eastern volume, floating above grade, contains the primary living spaces.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

After entering the house and passing through one of the glass bridges, the transformation begins. 

Initially presented as solid and austere, the house unfolds into a 124-foot long living volume, light-filled and wrapped in glass with panoramic views of the river.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

A grid of steel columns modulates the space. Covered terraces extend the interior spaces, providing an abundance of outdoor living space with varying exposures and views.

A screened porch provides an additional forum to experience views of the river, overlooking a swimming pool, located on axis to the main seating group.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Along with a geothermal mechanical system, solar tubes, hydronic floor heating and a concrete floor slab to provide thermal mass, large overhangs above the terraces prevent heat gain and minimize dependence on fossil fuel. 

The entire house is elevated four feet above grade to protect against anticipated future flooding.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The house is crisply detailed and minimally furnished to allow views of the picturesque site to provide the primary sensory experience. 

The house was designed as a vehicle to experience and enjoy the incredibly beautiful landscape, known as Diamond Point, seamlessly blending the river’s expansive vista with the space.

Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie


Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie


Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Tred Avon River House
© Maxwell MacKenzie


Tred Avon River House
Southeast Elevation
Tred Avon River House
Southwest Elevation
Tred Avon River House
Northeast Elevation
Tred Avon River House
Northwest Elevation


Tred Avon River House
First Floor Plan
Tred Avon River House
Second Floor Plan
Tred Avon River House
Site Plan


Tred Avon River House
Section

Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
T +1 202 2370925 F +1 202 2370927
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
5110 1/2, 5110 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States