Architect Robert Gurney and builder Darren Kornas took on a unique request from a client who wanted a regulation-sized volleyball court incorporated into their new eco-friendly home in Virginia.
Location & Design Concept
The property, located in a Virginia suburb, spans 3.5 acres with mature woods and a pond. Gurney strategically designed the house to minimize the visual impact of the large volleyball court by burying part of it into the grade.
The house was designed in four interconnected volumes, with the 35-foot-high volleyball court nestled into the hillside, along with a 60-foot indoor-outdoor pool. The design prioritizes a connection to nature, wellness, and sustainability.
Architectural Details
The home is spread across 18,595 square feet, with 4,152 square feet dedicated to the volleyball court. Gurney incorporated low-maintenance materials like blackened Shou Sugi Ban panels, Corten steel walls, and fiber cement to suit the natural surroundings.
The residence features multiple spaces, including a main entry, screened porch, primary suite terrace, guest rooms, gym, kitchen, and a party-ready game room.
Interior & Landscape Design
Interior designer Therese Baron Gurney and landscape architects Kevin Campion and Steve Makrinos were instrumental in merging the indoors with the outdoors. The landscape design focuses on biodiversity, with the addition of numerous grasses, pollinator plants, and retaining walls made of Corten steel.
The interiors reflect the owners’ love of color while incorporating natural forms. Sustainable materials free of harmful chemicals were prioritized throughout the home, while the great room and game room feature carefully selected furniture to complement the architecture.
Eco-Friendly Features
The house is powered by solar panels on the volleyball court roof, a geothermal energy system, and radiant-heat flooring. The garden design, including a stream and drifts of grasses, enhances the home’s connection to nature while supporting sustainability.
