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Robert M. Gurney Retrospective

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Robert M. Gurney Retrospective

  • The owner requested a compact building footprint to maximize the outdoor space.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDEC5%2Etmp_tcm48-750752.jpg

    The owner requested a compact building footprint to maximize the outdoor space.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
     
    The owner requested a compact building footprint to maximize the outdoor space.
  • An open kitchen and dining area preserve views to the backyard.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDEC7%2Etmp_tcm48-750310.jpg

    An open kitchen and dining area preserve views to the backyard.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • Mahogany and concrete block landscape walls complement the cube and orchestrate the relationship between the street, a required parking court, and the house.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDEC8%2Etmp_tcm48-750318.jpg

    Mahogany and concrete block landscape walls complement the cube and orchestrate the relationship between the street, a required parking court, and the house.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • Walnut flooring anchors the white walls and millwork.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDEC9%2Etmp_tcm48-750327.jpg

    Walnut flooring anchors the white walls and millwork.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • Bright white interiors are juxtaposed with a charcoal-gray exterior.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDECA%2Etmp_tcm48-750335.jpg

    Bright white interiors are juxtaposed with a charcoal-gray exterior.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • Crisp detailing complements the white-on-white master bath.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDECB%2Etmp_tcm48-750343.jpg

    Crisp detailing complements the white-on-white master bath.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • A large window in the master bedroom frames leafy views.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDECC%2Etmp_tcm48-750351.jpg

    A large window in the master bedroom frames leafy views.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • A full-height door opens to the master bedroom and adjoining bath.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpDECD%2Etmp_tcm48-750359.jpg

    A full-height door opens to the master bedroom and adjoining bath.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    hampden lane house, bethesda, md.
    custom / 3,000 square feet or less / merit
  • The living room is oriented toward views of the Potomac River and Key Bridge.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD79E%2Etmp_tcm48-748860.jpg

    The living room is oriented toward views of the Potomac River and Key Bridge.

    600

    Paul Warchol

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • A V-shaped charcoal wall separates the kitchen/living area and the master bedroom behind it.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD79F%2Etmp_tcm48-748868.jpg

    A V-shaped charcoal wall separates the kitchen/living area and the master bedroom behind it.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • A walnut wall panel with ribbed graining unifies the living room, kitchen, and wine room beyond.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A0%2Etmp_tcm48-748877.jpg

    A walnut wall panel with ribbed graining unifies the living room, kitchen, and wine room beyond.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • An electrostatic glass ribbon in the V-shaped wall can go opaque or clear, giving a sense of the space beyond.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A1%2Etmp_tcm48-748885.jpg

    An electrostatic glass ribbon in the V-shaped wall can go opaque or clear, giving a sense of the space beyond.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Project plan before.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A2%2Etmp_tcm48-748893.jpg

    Project plan before.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Project plan after.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A3%2Etmp_tcm48-748901.jpg

    Project plan after.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Axonometric projection.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A4%2Etmp_tcm48-748909.jpg

    Axonometric projection.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • The wine room, in an alcove behind the kitchen, is fitted with a translucent panel lit from above and behind. The bottles rest on aluminum rods.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A5%2Etmp_tcm48-748917.jpg

    The wine room, in an alcove behind the kitchen, is fitted with a translucent panel lit from above and behind. The bottles rest on aluminum rods.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Bursts of color and floor-to-ceiling glass minimizes the pre-existing low, horizontal environment.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A6%2Etmp_tcm48-748925.jpg

    Bursts of color and floor-to-ceiling glass minimizes the pre-existing low, horizontal environment.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • A built-in desk in the master suite makes the most of limited space.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A7%2Etmp_tcm48-748933.jpg

    A built-in desk in the master suite makes the most of limited space.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Throughout the apartment, clear and translucent glass unifies and defines the flowing floor plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A8%2Etmp_tcm48-748941.jpg

    Throughout the apartment, clear and translucent glass unifies and defines the flowing floor plan.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Planar walls bring formal clarity to the plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpD7A9%2Etmp_tcm48-748949.jpg

    Planar walls bring formal clarity to the plan.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2011 rada
    watergate apartment, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • The house??s design achieves a balance between seclusion and embracing the Chesapeake Bay landscape.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BA%2Etmp_tcm48-793123.jpg

    The house??s design achieves a balance between seclusion and embracing the Chesapeake Bay landscape.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • A 20-foot-wide glass wall opens to the outdoors.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BB%2Etmp_tcm48-793131.jpg

    A 20-foot-wide glass wall opens to the outdoors.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • A glass entry corridor links the two courtyard-enclosing volumes.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BC%2Etmp_tcm48-793139.jpg

    A glass entry corridor links the two courtyard-enclosing volumes.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • The eastern volume, with 16-foot-high ceilings, contains the public spaces.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BD%2Etmp_tcm48-793147.jpg

    The eastern volume, with 16-foot-high ceilings, contains the public spaces.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • Continuous clerestory windows provide abundant natural light.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BE%2Etmp_tcm48-793155.jpg

    Continuous clerestory windows provide abundant natural light.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • The one-story glass link overlooks the central garden.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9BF%2Etmp_tcm48-793163.jpg

    The one-story glass link overlooks the central garden.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • Next to the master bedroom, a sitting room with a view.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9C0%2Etmp_tcm48-793171.jpg

    Next to the master bedroom, a sitting room with a view.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • Axonometric view.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9C1%2Etmp_tcm48-793179.jpg

    Axonometric view.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • First-floor plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9C2%2Etmp_tcm48-793187.jpg

    First-floor plan.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • Second-floor plan.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpF9B9%2Etmp_tcm48-793115.jpg

    Second-floor plan.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect

    2011 CHDA
    Lujan House, Ocean View, Del.
    Custom Home / Less Than 3,000 Square Feet
  • The home's stately, Second-Empire-style street elevation is barely changed.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp992%2Etmp_tcm48-400037.jpg

    The home's stately, Second-Empire-style street elevation is barely changed.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Gurney enlarged the 1876 home's rooms to better suit them to the client's modern art collection. He kept the original woodwork profiles within the existing footprint.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp993%2Etmp_tcm48-400046.jpg

    Gurney enlarged the 1876 home's rooms to better suit them to the client's modern art collection. He kept the original woodwork profiles within the existing footprint.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • A new kitchen added onto the back of the house received modern detailing, distinguishing it from the older portions of the building.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp995%2Etmp_tcm48-400064.jpg

    A new kitchen added onto the back of the house received modern detailing, distinguishing it from the older portions of the building.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • The sleek addition vastly improves the project's connection with its rear yard.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp991%2Etmp_tcm48-400028.jpg

    The sleek addition vastly improves the project's connection with its rear yard.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • The architects saved a couple of the original fireplaces and had them faithfully restored.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp997%2Etmp_tcm48-400082.jpg

    The architects saved a couple of the original fireplaces and had them faithfully restored.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • A modern, marble-and-steel master bath.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp999%2Etmp_tcm48-400100.jpg

    A modern, marble-and-steel master bath.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • White walls and dark floors work with the specially designed lighting to show off the art to its best advantage.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp998%2Etmp_tcm48-400091.jpg

    White walls and dark floors work with the specially designed lighting to show off the art to its best advantage.

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Floor plans of the house before renovation.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp99A%2Etmp_tcm48-400109.jpg

    Floor plans of the house before renovation.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit
  • Floor plans of the house after renovation.

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp996%2Etmp_tcm48-400073.jpg

    Floor plans of the house after renovation.

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    2010 rada
    residence e2, washington, d.c.
    renovation / merit

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501064_2_tcm48-794902.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    2009 CHDA
    Town House, Washington, D.C.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501064_1_tcm48-794894.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    2009 CHDA
    Town House, Washington, D.C.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501064_3_tcm48-794918.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol

    2009 CHDA
    Town House, Washington, D.C.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501060_1_tcm48-794862.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Suite 4511, Washington, D.C.
    Grand Award: Custom Bath

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501060_2_tcm48-794870.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Suite 4511, Washington, D.C.
    Grand Award: Custom Bath

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501068_1_tcm48-794958.jpg

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    2009 CHDA
    Harkavy Residence, Potomac, Md.
    Merit Award: Custom Detail

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501050_2_tcm48-794750.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Buisson Residence, Lake Anna, Va.
    Grand Award: Custom Home / More Than 5,000 Square Feet

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501050_1_tcm48-794742.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Buisson Residence, Lake Anna, Va.
    Grand Award: Custom Home / More Than 5,000 Square Feet

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501050_3_tcm48-794766.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Buisson Residence, Lake Anna, Va.
    Grand Award: Custom Home / More Than 5,000 Square Feet

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501050_4_tcm48-794774.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Buisson Residence, Lake Anna, Va.
    Grand Award: Custom Home / More Than 5,000 Square Feet

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501066_1_tcm48-794926.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Peterson Residence, Chevy Chase, Md.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501066_2_tcm48-794942.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Peterson Residence, Chevy Chase, Md.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/CH090501066_3_tcm48-794950.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2009 CHDA
    Peterson Residence, Chevy Chase, Md.
    Grand Award: Renovation

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpC5A1%2Etmp_tcm48-275400.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpC5AB%2Etmp_tcm48-275285.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpC595%2Etmp_tcm48-275377.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA070501104H12_tcm48-1052935.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney, FAIA

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA070501104H13_tcm48-1052943.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney, FAIA

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpC598%2Etmp_tcm48-275386.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmpC599%2Etmp_tcm48-275393.jpg

    600

    Maxwell MacKenzie

    2007 rada
    ontario 301, washington, d.c.
    architectural interiors / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp2272%2Etmp_tcm48-243799.jpg

    600

    Anice Hoachlander/HD Photo

    k + b studio / kitchen
    urbane infill

    Three skylights guide the sun's rays into the apartment. Gurney says the shapes and sizes of the mahogany-clad lightboxes were well planned. "Two were set," he says, "and the form I felt worked best to balance them out was a pure square."

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp2274%2Etmp_tcm48-243813.jpg

    600

    Anice Hoachlander/HD Photo

    An unusually thick 2-inch slab of Burlington stone was speced for the countertops as a counterweight to the thin plane of aluminum perched above it (top).

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp2276%2Etmp_tcm48-243827.jpg

    600

    Anice Hoachlander/HD Photo

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp2275%2Etmp_tcm48-243820.jpg

    600

    Anice Hoachlander/HD Photo

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/tmp2273%2Etmp_tcm48-243806.jpg

    600

    Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, and Hito Martinez

    Making the most of a little square footage, Gurney laid out the long, narrow kitchen at the end of the open space, leaving plenty of room for mingling between the island and living room furniture.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H1_tcm48-288773.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

    Using stone obtained from the site, Bob Gurney created a simple, formal entry path linking the addition with the driveway.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H2_tcm48-288808.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H10_tcm48-288782.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H3_tcm48-288817.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H5_tcm48-288834.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H9_tcm48-288870.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H11_tcm48-288788.jpg

    580

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H6_tcm48-288843.jpg

    600

    Robert M. Gurney

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H12_tcm48-288799.jpg

    600

    Robert M. Gurney

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H7_tcm48-288852.jpg

    600

    Robert M. Gurney

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA030501044H8_tcm48-288861.jpg

    600

    Robert M. Gurney

    2003 rada
    blue ridge farmhouse addition, washington, va.
    project of the year

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA01050167H1_tcm48-290725.jpg

    600

    Hoachlander Davis Photography

    2001 rada
    windyridge, keyser, w.va.
    renovation / merit

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA01050167H2_tcm48-290734.jpg

    600

    Hoachlander Davis Photography

    2001 rada
    windyridge, keyser, w.va.
    renovation / merit

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA01050163H1_tcm48-290676.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2001 rada
    fitch o'rourke residence, washington, d.c.
    renovation / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA01050163H2_tcm48-290680.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2001 rada
    fitch o'rourke residence, washington, d.c.
    renovation / grand

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/RA01050163H3_tcm48-290689.jpg

    600

    Paul Warchol Photography

    2001 rada
    fitch o'rourke residence, washington, d.c.
    renovation / grand

Launch Slideshow

Recent and On the Boards Projects

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Recent and On the Boards Projects

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1131226126_Gurney_100_01_tcm48-1051727.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Existing 200-year-old house in downtown Lewes, Del.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/800958921_Gurney_101_02_tcm48-1051735.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Axonometric of restoration and additions to existing house.

  • Elmn-presAXON AXON (2) (1)

    http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1683715411_Gurney_102_03_tcm48-1051743.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Axonometric of restoration and additions to existing house from opposite angle.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1077119507_Gurney_103_04_tcm48-1051751.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Elevation and section drawings.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/1704820097_Gurney_104_05_tcm48-1051759.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Elevation and section drawings.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/334787198_Gurney_105_06_tcm48-1051767.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Elevation and section drawings.

  • http://www.residentialarchitect.com/Images/985659405_Gurney_106_07_tcm48-1051775.jpg

    600

    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    First floor before and after floor plans.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Second floor before and after floor plans.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Third floor before and after floor plans.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Site Plan

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    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Construction detail showing how the house was raised up on stilts so the basement could be renovated.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney / Maxwell MacKenzie

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    Completed renovation showing the restored existing house from the street view.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney / Maxwell MacKenzie

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    The additions fan out around the pool in a series of pavilions linked by glass bridges.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney / Maxwell MacKenzie

    Lewes, Del. Historic House

    The pavilions mask the size of the additions and present contextual elevations to the historic neighbors.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    Key West Project Rendering

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    McLean, Va., Residence

    3D Rendering from street view.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    McLean, Va., Residence

    3D Rendering from side view.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    A Second Home in Easton, Md.

    This recently completed second home for clients living in Pittsburgh, allowed Gurney to design his version of the glass house. The 22-acre site juts out into the Chesapeake Bay offering water views on three sides.

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    Courtesy Robert M. Gurney

    A Second Home in Easton, Md.

    The long, linear translucent living volumes are juxtaposed by a private, nearly solid tower that houses services areas and bedrooms.

firm specs

years in practice: 21 | currently active projects: 15-20 | projects completed in 2011: 5 | firm size: 6 | areas of interest: single-family, apartment remodeling, commercial | website: www.robertgurneyarchitect.com

 

Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, has six employees in his Washington, D.C.-based office, many of whom have been with the firm for years. That says a lot about Gurney as an employer and an architect. Designing primarily high-end, single-family houses with a modern aesthetic, Gurney could have grown his business significantly during the boom times. Instead, he turned away projects because he didn’t want to manage a lot of people. He adds that he also “wanted to stay closely involved with all of our projects.”

The decision to remain hands-on with his team and his clients has helped him enjoy a robust roster of projects with a variety of interesting programs, even during the recession. “Being in D.C. has helped a lot,” Gurney admits, “but I consciously and deliberately decided I liked the size of my firm, so we had plenty of work to keep us going through the worst of it.” Gurney did take on different types of commissions during the downturn, but with his usual optimism he says the variety kept him and his staff energized. “We did several smaller projects like apartment renovations,” he explains, “but I like the amount of detailing you can put into small projects.” In addition, Gurney accepted his first historic restoration in downtown Lewes, Del., his farthest flung house in Key West, Fla., and his largest project with a 20,000-square-foot home in McLean, Va.

The McLean project came in just before the downturn and was one of two large-scale commissions that kept everyone at the firm busy. A steep site and an existing 1960s house with low-pitched massing added to the challenge of the huge square footage. Gurney kept the entire original roof and added a three-story glass volume behind it that descends down the hillside lot. “The trick was that the rooflines were so distinctive and the gable was on a diagonal, so it was a hard house to double the size while maintaining the strong ’60s geometry.” Landscape elements such as a parking court, disappearing edge swimming pool, and terraces were a crucial part of the solution, according to Gurney. “This is the most integration of architecture and landscape of any project I’ve done.”

Occasional trips to Key West to design additions and changes to a house in the strictly protected historic district haven’t exactly been a hardship for Gurney, but facing the tough review committee there might have been. They’re notoriously stringent about any alterations and everything about the original structure has to remain intact, yet Gurney flew through the approval process after only two meetings—despite his contemporary tendencies. “They liked my approach of picking up the language of previous additions,” he modestly explains.

It seems the architect learned a lot from his first historic restoration and addition project just completed in Lewes, Del. Gurney and his staff researched the 200-year-old house and the entire block before designing the additions, which nearly doubled its size. The lot is only about 40 feet wide and 150 feet deep, and the owner wanted an extensive program including a pool. Although the Lewes review board wasn’t nearly as restrictive as in Key West, Gurney opted to meticulously restore the original house and let it shine by tucking all of the new sections behind it. He used the pool as the pivot point for five pavilions linked by floating glass bridges.  “Lewes is happy because we restored this old house,” Gurney says, “and at the same time we doubled the size of the house.”

 

Robert M. Gurney Retrospective