JEFFERSON’S VISION REIMAGINED
BRIDGING OLD & NEW USING JEFFERSONIAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES AT BARBOURSVILLE
building an addition to Thomas Jefferson’s 19th century mansion in Barboursville, Virginia. after burning down almost two centuries ago, brick ruins on the site of apopular winery offer a unique opportunity to build a new structure connected to the old. the new space must educate visitors on the rich history of Jefferson and the Barbour family and surrounding settlements, while reflecting these historic principles in its design.
JEFFERSON’S ORIGINAL DESIGN
PALLADIAN PRINCIPLES
a new building designed according to Barboursville’s original geometry, symmetry, and proportions and symmetry
LINEARITY & CONTINUITY
a glass bridge allows visitors to walk through the ruins unobstructed and continue on a straight path to the entrance of the new building, showing the passage of time
SERPENTINE BRICK WALLED STAIRS & RAMP
curved “serpentine” brick retaining walls often utilized by Jefferson and only remaining today at the University of Virginia; used to frame accessible ramp and stairs to accomodate 22’ elevation gain from parking lot to ruins
handcrafted wood gazebo inspired by original octagonal room featured in Barboursville, center of circular garden area with landscaping and historical statues reminiscient of Jefferson’s Poplar Forest EAST ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION
DELORME DOME STRUCTURE
18th century lightweight dome invented by French architect Philibert de l’Orme using wood framing and often allowing ribbon skylights for sunlight; highly admired by Jefferson
“I cannot express to you the regret I feel on the subject of renouncing the Halle aux bled lights of the Capitol dome. That single circumstance…would…have made it the handsomest room in the world, without a single exception. Take that away, it becomes a common thing exceeded by many” - Jefferson
