Riggins House by Robert M. Gurney Architect
Located in Cabin John, Maryland, this 4,900 square foot house is sited at the end of a manicured lawn, and looks over the edge of a steeply sloping wooded site adjacent to the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. A light-filled double height circulation axis separates the house’s main volumes, while transverse axes further organize the spaces.
Glass and steel bridges cross the circulation space to connect the volumes on the second floor. Primary living spaces bounded by large expanses of glass are oriented towards the river, while secondary spaces open to the lawn.
Large overhangs shield glazing from solar gain in the summer and provide space for outdoor living, even in inclement weather. Combined with geothermal HVAC, day lighting, and operable windows and doors to provide cross ventilation, the house remains energy efficient despite employing its large amount of glass.
Interiors are minimally detailed. Finishes include honed and chiseled Pompeii stone, ash flooring, walnut millwork and white marble countertops. The interior is designed to allow views toward the woods and river to provide the primary visual experience.
Photos by: Robert M. Gurney Architect & Maxwell MacKenzie
Related: A Spacious Contemporary Home with Light-Filled Interiors in the Forests of Quebec
We recommend: A Concrete Hillside Home with a Simple and Elegant Interior in Los Vilos, Chile
Try these: A Stunning Modern House with Four Courtyards in Zumikon, Switzerland
Related: An Elegant Mid-Century Modern House for a Family of Five in Lafayette, California
Up next: A Spacious and Stylish Contemporary Home with Raw Concrete Walls in Algeciras
See also: An Elegant and Luminous Home with a White Theme in Puglia, Italy
Read: A Sophisticated House Made Of Corten, Wood and Concrete in Tuscany, Italy
What we thought: A Stunning Single-Family Home Set in the Pristine Landscape of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Read more: An Elegant Home with Sophisticated Wood and Warm Dark Colors in Moscow Oblast
View more: A Charming Contemporary Home with Plenty of Character in São Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
View the complete gallery
Join the discussion