Ross Residence has been designed by Griffin Enright Architects, situated in a unique community called the Town of Ross, in Marin County, California and is nestled between a stream and a steep hillside above. Entry to the site occurs across a small stream via an existing bridge into a new entry made of charcoal concrete board that wraps around a new foyer and becomes a floating bench. It is a renovation that transforms an existing residence by extending and extruding folded geometries of the existing rooflines to create a contemporary home in the country. A new open living, dining kitchen area with ample wall space for the owner’s art collections is created under the dynamic new roof which splits to bring clearstory light from the east, while simultaneously creating intimacy and differentiation in interior spaces.

A new ipe deck at the front of the house floats at the edge of the existing stream and provides a new outdoor area extending the living space. The entry is made of charcoal concrete board and an open pivot door.

A new entry made of charcoal concrete board wraps around the foyer and creates a floating bench. A custom fabricated, textured ceiling made of CNC milled MDF enhances acoustics and integrates a seemingly randomized lighting pattern, while it also reflects light into the space. The loft-like living space opens up to the north, optimizing the view of a luminous landscape that is perfectly lit for the majority of the day.

A view from the dining room showing stainless steel chainmail curtain over tv and fireplace slot.

The fireplace and TV are cleanly organized in a long slot along the western wall behind a metal mesh curtain that allows the TV to be hidden when not in use. A custom white powder-coated steel hearth floats off the wall and provides seating at the fireplace.

A view of the living room with expansive telescoping glass doors to the exterior and a custom ceiling with recessed lights.

A view of the living room with folded ceiling and a clerestory window to bring light into a loft-like space.

A view form the dining room showing powder coated steel hearth.

The new chef’s kitchen is outfitted for entertaining and yet detailed with furniture like cabinetry details. The custom ceiling has been cut out to provide a slot for the hanging track lighting.

A view from the bedroom into the bathroom with the indoor pool beyond.

A view of the exterior arrival via a wood bridge over a small stream.

Photos: Kyle Jeffers