Robert Gurney's waterfront Buisson Residence is capped with a folded copper roof
American architect Robert Gurney has created a house in Virginia topped with a geometric roof, which folds over the building to protect it from harsh winds (+ slideshow).
Sited on a small peninsula in central Virginia's Lake Anna, Buisson Residence is exposed to inclement weather on its northern facade.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_8-852x569.jpg)
The large roof that covers the building allows residents to preserve south and west-facing views of the lake, while shielding the home from the elements.
Copper cladding covers the roof, which will weather to a verdigris patina over time. "The sloping roof and canted front wall are designed to deflect fierce north wind and shed water from intense storms," said Gurney.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_1-852x569.jpg)
Entrance to the three-storey residence is from the northern side, into the middle floor.
On this level, an open-plan living room, dining room and kitchen occupies the western portion of the residence and is afforded sweeping views of the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_7-852x569.jpg)
"The entry, living, and sleeping spaces are arranged linearly to maximise lake views and to take advantage of the southern exposure," said the architect.
"Large overhangs and sensor-equipped motorised shades combine to limit heat gain during the summer while allowing the sun to penetrate deep into the interior during the winter," he added.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_9-852x569.jpg)
On the eastern side of the central staircase is the master suite, which includes a large bedroom and private bathroom.
This level opens out onto a wooden deck that spans the entire southern and western walls of the house.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_5-852x1275.jpg)
The upper floor houses a home office as well as two children's bedrooms. These are located on the western end of the structure, facing the lake.
The bottom level is mostly below grade, and contains a games room and storage space. Because of a decline in terrain, it opens out onto the property's yard, allowing residents to access the lake more directly.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_6-852x1275.jpg)
The distinctive pitch of the roof gives the house a different appearance depending on which side it is seen from. While the building is entirely open and glazed on its southern facade, it presents a more solid appearance to the north.
The geometry of the roof is also apparent inside, where slanted walls along the second-floor corridor belie its form.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_11-852x1274.jpg)
Throughout the residence, muted tones were chosen. A majority of surfaces were rendered in white, which stand out against the site's natural surroundings.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-maxwell-mackenzie_dezeen_2364_12-852x1275.jpg)
"It is the contrast between an ordered human dimension and an unstructured natural condition that elevates our understanding and appreciation of both," explained the architect.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect. Photograph is by Paul Warchol](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/buisson-residence-robert-gurney-photo-paul-warchol_dezeen_2364_0-852x1275.jpg)
Other lakefront properties in the US include a home in Connecticut that was made of two separate volumes connected by a bridge, and a slim wooden cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Photography is by Maxwell Mackenzie unless otherwise indicated.
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/03-buisson-site-plan-full.gif)
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/04-buisson-diagram-full.gif)
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/02-buisson-floor-plans-full.gif)
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/01-buisson-short-section-sized.gif)
![Buisson Residence by Robert Gurney Architect](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/05-buisson-elevations-sized.gif)