Wissioming Residence by Robert M. Gurney
November 8th, 2011 - Posted in House IdeasSited on a heavily wooded lot overlooking the Potomac River in Maryland, Robert M. Gurney created a contemporary house called Wissioming Residence. The creation of this atmosphere refocuses one’s attention outward, allowing the owner to reconnect with the inherently picturesque site already preserved through the design. A new swimming pool is suspended twenty feet above grade to further reduce the impact to the steeply sloping site.
Structural pre-cast concrete planks are employed throughout the project in effort to expedite the construction process, span large open areas and to provide the ability to heat the house hydronically. Combined with a 5” concrete slab and terrazzo flooring the structural system provides additional passive heating. Large overhangs on the glazed southern wall and the tree canopy minimize solar gain in the summer.
The office space become part of this house to lessen his dependence on the automobile, located on the ground floor of a detached structure separated from the main residence by a reflecting pool. That structure also contains a garage on the first level and a guest suite above. Translucent glass and panels of Kalwall are used to allow the building to serve as a lantern to the main house at night.
Wood siding is combined with soft gray terne coated stainless steel and black steel window frames to provide an exterior material palette that fits comfortably in the landscape. Bluestone, gravel and water complete the palette. Interior materials such as white terrazzo flooring, white oak cabinetry and aluminum compliment the light filled and minimally detailed space.
Architects : Robert M. Gurney
Location : Bethesda, Maryland, United States
