The Ross Residence is a contemporary single-story home that got its name from a small town in Marin County, California, where is actually sited. It is positioned between a stream and a steep which was an advantage for the California-based architectural firm Griffin Enright Architects who designed it. The entry consists of a bridge that crosses a narrow stream to a second entry built of charcoal concrete board.
After being renovated, this home was transformed into a modern residence in the country by changing the existing rooflines under which a new open living, a spacious dinning kitchen area and a space for the owner’s art collection were created.
The construction is north orientated in order to capture the view of luminous scenery that is kept lit all day long.
The living area is extended by a new outdoor space provided by a deck that floats at the edge of the stream.
The charcoal concrete board entry sounds striking. I’m curious how the north orientation balances natural light with the stream’s humidity. Does the floating deck feel stable during heavy rains, or does it enhance the connection to the water?
Thanks for the keen observation! The north-facing design maximizes diffused light while managing humidity. The floating deck is engineered for stability, allowing it to rise with floodwaters and deepen that immersive connection to the stream during heavy rains.