- Project: Becherer House
- Architect: Robert Gurney Architect FAIA
- Location: United States, Albermarle County, Virginia
- Photography: Maxwell MacKenzie
Robert M. Gurney Architect has designed the Becherer House, a contemporary residence located in Albemarle County, Virginia. Set on the crest of a hill at the edge of woodlands, the home offers panoramic views of rolling pastures on one side and treetops on the other, creating a dwelling that is both deeply rural and decidedly modern.
Setting – Between Woodlands and Pastures
The Virginia countryside is defined by dark-stained fences, horse pastures, and interspersed woodlands. The Becherer House sits at this threshold, bridging two landscapes:
-
To the west, open pastures and sunsets.
-
To the east, a backdrop of dense woodland and treetops.
This dual orientation ensures light-filled interiors throughout the day, with each pavilion framing a distinct natural panorama.
Architectural Composition
The house is organized as three gable-roofed pavilions, connected yet visually distinct. This configuration:
-
Central pavilion: Contains the main living areas with floor-to-ceiling glass walls on two sides.
-
Flanking pavilions: Accommodate private and service spaces.
-
Outdoor extensions: A screened porch and bluestone terrace run along the length of the home, providing outdoor stages for seasonal living and sunset views.
The separation of pavilions breaks down the massing, aligning the residence with the scale of traditional rural structures.
Material Palette – Rural Vernacular Meets Modern Precision
The design references Virginia’s agrarian vernacular while maintaining a crisp, contemporary expression:
-
Black standing-seam metal roofs evoke classic barns.
-
Clapboard siding grounds the home in familiar rural textures.
-
Expanses of glass ensure constant engagement with the landscape.
-
Cement board paneling and minimal detailing sharpen the home’s modern edge.
This interplay results in a house that feels comfortable and timeless, yet unmistakably modern.
Landscape Integration
A manicured lawn and dry-stacked slate wall mediate the transition from the house to the surrounding forest. These ordered elements introduce a sense of crafted elegance while allowing the natural woodland to remain dominant.
A Rural Home with Modern Clarity
The Becherer House exemplifies Robert M. Gurney Architect’s ability to merge vernacular inspiration with minimalist detailing. By balancing gable-roofed forms, expansive glazing, and material honesty, the home becomes both a shelter and a frame for Virginia’s countryside landscapes.
