Dezeen Magazine

Rhode Island coastal retreat by Roger Ferris + Partners comprises multiple gabled forms

This holiday home in Rhode Island by US studio Roger Ferris + Partners consists of a cluster of gable-roofed volumes, influenced by vernacular architecture in rural New England (+ slideshow).

The Ocean House is located on a coastal site in the quaint town of Little Compton.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

Totalling 5,500 square feet (511 square meters), the residence consists of five distinct volumes connected by a raised deck.

Topped with gabled roofs, the structures are meant to evoke traditional barns and boat sheds found in the region.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

"Ocean House responds to the demands of the historic commission for conformity while striking a modern tone," said Roger Ferris + Partners, a studio with offices in Connecticut and New York.

Wetland constraints limited the usable site area and influenced the layout and orientation of the volumes.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

The home comprises a master suite, guest sleeping quarters, a spacious living room, and an open-plan kitchen and dining area.

"Master bedroom and guest bedroom 'sheds' are separated from one another for greater privacy and quiet," the architect noted.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

Visitors access the dwelling via a 40-foot-long (12-metre) wooden ramp, which leads to a sheltered entrance.

To the right of the entrance is a skinny lap pool, which is "located on the leeward side of the house for protection from winds", explained the architects.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

Exterior walls are clad in weathered ipe – a dense hardwood known for its durability – while the roofs and chimneys are sheathed in zinc panels.

On the west elevation, full-height glass walls offer sweeping views of the sea while also providing privacy.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

"The glazed faces offer an expansive view toward Easton Bay and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in the distance," said the architects.

To help reduce solar gain, the architect covered the glazing with horizontal aluminium louvres, in addition to installing motorised window shades.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

Deep roof overhangs on the east and west provide further protection from the sun.

In the evening, the home emits a warm glow due to illumination from within.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

The sparsely furnished interior features white walls and light-shaded wood, including bleached white oak flooring.

"The interior living space is seamlessly extended outward via the continuous raised deck – the principal outdoor living space," the architects said.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

The project has a number of sustainable elements, including a rainwater collection and recycling system, a permeable driveway made of crushed shells and a landscape design with native grasses.

Ocean House by Roger Ferris + Partners

Other American homes include a weekend retreat in Rhode Island clad in cedar and slate and a "moveable" vacation home on Martha's Vineyard that consists of eight concrete volumes.

Photography is by Michael Biondo.

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Site plan – click for larger image
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Ground floor plan – click for larger image
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First floor plan – click for larger image
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West elevation – click for larger image
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North elevation – click for larger image
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East elevation – click for larger image