- Project: Tred Avon River House
- Architect: Robert Gurney Architect FAIA
- Location: United States, Easton, Maryland
- Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
Robert M. Gurney Architect has designed the Tred Avon River House in Easton, Maryland, a striking residence that merges austere geometry with panoramic transparency. Initially appearing as a solid, sculptural mass, the house unfolds upon entry into a 124-foot-long glass-wrapped living volume, oriented to capture breathtaking views of the Tred Avon River.
Site and Concept – Diamond Point
The project sits on Diamond Point, a site reached by a quarter-mile road lined with pines, diverging from fields of corn and opening toward the water. The residence is expressed as three distinct volumes:
-
A 36-foot-high central core, largely solid and punctuated only by a recessed entry door.
-
A 12-foot-high western wing containing garage and service spaces.
-
An elevated eastern wing housing the primary living areas.
Glass bridges link the volumes, setting up a dramatic transition from solidity to openness.
Living Spaces – From Solidity to Transparency
Inside, the architecture shifts from austere to expansive. The living spaces extend across 124 feet, modulated by a grid of steel columns and wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing. Covered terraces and a screened porch further extend the interior outdoors, offering a variety of orientations to enjoy the landscape.
At the center of the composition, a swimming pool lies on axis with the main seating area, reinforcing the strong linear design and creating another reflective surface that connects architecture and landscape.
Materiality and Detailing
The house is crisp and minimalist, allowing the natural beauty of the riverfront site to dominate the sensory experience. Materials emphasize honesty and durability, with steel, concrete, and glass working in tandem to frame views and regulate comfort.
Sustainability and Resilience
Beyond its striking geometry, the Tred Avon River House incorporates sustainable strategies:
-
Geothermal system for efficient heating and cooling.
-
Solar tubes and hydronic radiant floors for energy efficiency.
-
Concrete floor slab for thermal mass.
-
Large overhangs to reduce heat gain.
-
Elevation above grade by four feet to mitigate potential flooding.
These measures ensure the residence is not only elegant but resilient against climate challenges.
A House to Frame the Landscape
The Tred Avon River House is best understood as a vehicle for experiencing nature. Through its minimal detailing, expansive glazing, and thoughtful integration of sustainable systems, it transforms its Diamond Point setting into both backdrop and protagonist, offering the owners a home that celebrates the quiet power of the Maryland shoreline.
