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 fallow apple orchard and horse pasture. The project restores the land to its former agricultural use, introducing a home, gardens, farms, and several accessory structures. The landscape includes productive kitchen gardens, orchards, vineyards, and native species meadows.

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

Low to the ground and finished with natural materials, the home is deferential to the landscape. Drawing from vernacular pole barn and agricultural construction, the home incorporates exposed mass timber framing, deep overhangs, and open-jointed wood plank cladding. The home takes advantage of its context, orientation, and views with extensive glazing and operable units to promote cross-breezes. 

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

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

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

Location: near Charlottesville, Virginia

Estimated Completion: fall 2024

Architect: Charles Sparkman

Landscape Architect: Studio AKA

Civil Engineer: Line + Grade

Structural Engineer: Springpoint Structural

MEP Engineer: Lu + S

General Contractor: Element Construction