WAVERLY RESIDENCE (under construction)

How does architecture restore the natural landscape and intensify a sense of place? 

The Waverly Residence is located in the Virginia Piedmont, on the site of a former horse pasture and apple orchard, which had been clear-cut—and left in ruin—by the previous owners. The project restores the land to agricultural use, and introduces a house, gardens, farms, and accessory structures. The landscape includes productive kitchen gardens, orchards, vineyards, apiaries, and native species meadows.

The house consists of three pavilions: the primary living spaces (west pavilion), gathering and dining areas (central pavilion), and guest areas (east pavilion), all connected by glazed passageways. The three pavilions frame distinct courtyards with views of the surrounding gardens, orchards, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Low to the ground and finished with natural materials, the house is deferential to the landscape and the agricultural heritage of the site. Drawing from vernacular pole barn and agricultural construction, the house incorporates exposed mass timber framing, deep overhangs, and open-jointed wood plank cladding. The material palette is warm and responsive to context: including thermally-modified cedar, white oak, local bluestone, dark metals, and weathering steel. The design is simple, durable, and adaptable, offering accessibility and flexibility for future generations.  The home takes full advantage of its context, orientation, and views, featuring extensive glazing and operable windows to promote natural ventilation and a deep connection with the land.

The project will achieve net-zero energy and carbon usage by incorporating a high-performance building envelope, solar thermal water heating, rooftop photovoltaics, and complete electrification of systems and equipment.

Deferential to its context, the Waverly Residence doesn’t reveal itself all at once, but gradually unfolds as one moves through the home and landscape, offering views of the surrounding gardens, orchards, and Blue Ridge Mountains. The experience is serene and deeply connected to the place.

Type: private residence, gardens, farm, and accessory structures

Location: near Charlottesville, Virginia

Estimated Completion: fall 2025

Architect: Charles Sparkman

Landscape Architect: Studio AKA

Civil Engineer: Line + Grade

Structural Engineer: Springpoint Structural

MEP Engineer: Lu + S

General Contractor: Element Construction