Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect

4 Springs Lane

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

4 Springs Lane

Robert M. Gurney Architect

ARCHITECTS
Robert M. Gurney Architect

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Kevin Campion

CONTRACTOR
Erwin Opitz, Opitz Construction Consulting

MANUFACTURERS
North Shore Window & Door

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Therese Baron Gurney, Asid, Baron Gurney Interiors

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Brian Tuskey

ENGINEER
D. Anthony Beale

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Rappahannock County, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

4 Springs Lane

Text description provided by architect.

Rolling topography, open fields and woodlands comprise a 24 acre site in Rappahannock County, Virginia where this new house is located.

The structure itself becomes a threshold and defines a more intimate, manicured outdoor environment between the house and the edge of the forest.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The rigorous, refined and geometric forms of the building are designed in sharp contrast to the undulating, natural landscape.

Interior spaces are active and intricate, tranquil and minimal. With vistas in all directions, large expanses of glass allow the landscape views to provide the primary sensory experience.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

A geothermal HVAC system, energy efficient appliances, wall and ceiling infrastructure with maximum insulation, a rain-screen cladding system, extensive daylighting and solar-sensored shades are employed with the expectation of reducing fossil fuel consumption.

This house is pragmatic and pristine. Proportion, texture and light organize and animate the project.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Extensive site investigation, including erecting scaffolding at various locations, resulted in the placement of the house high on one of the hills, overlooking a meadow at the base of woodlands.

The two-story living / dining space has floor-to-ceiling glass at each end, providing a lens through which to view the mountains from the terrace.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The linear organization allows the majority of spaces to maintain mountain views while providing accessibility to a terrace with the swimming pool and the manicured area.

The house is organized as a series of volumes, arranged linearly and positioned to optimize distant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Large operable windows and doors are placed to provide natural ventilation.

The composition is simultaneously complex and distilled.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Most importantly, the house provides a framework to experience an inherently beautiful landscape.

Simple volumes comprised of glass, wood, stone and fiber cement panels are combined to render a more complex composition while garnering a serene unity.

The contrast is intended to magnify the beauty of the site while allowing the house to provide a framework to view the landscape. These views become the orienting device.

4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie


4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie
4 Springs Lane
© Maxwell MacKenzie


4 Springs Lane
North Elevation
4 Springs Lane
South Elevation
4 Springs Lane
East Elevation
4 Springs Lane
West Elevation
4 Springs Lane
Section


4 Springs Lane
First Floor Plan
4 Springs Lane
Second Floor Plan
4 Springs Lane
Third Floor Plan
4 Springs Lane
Fourth Floor Plan
4 Springs Lane
Fifth Floor Plan
4 Springs Lane
Site Plan

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