In Driggs, Idaho, a contemporary house by RO | ROCKETT DESIGN sits quietly among wetlands, shrubs and willow bushes, shaped by both the landscape and the forces that define it. Designed with careful attention to water, terrain and distant mountain views, the home reveals itself gradually, moving from grounded private spaces below to light filled living areas above.
Set Within Wetland and Upland Regions
The house is surrounded by expansive wetland and upland areas, where vegetation shifts from low scrub to denser willow growth. This setting influenced both the placement and form of the building, encouraging an elevated approach that responds to seasonal conditions while opening long views across the land. The surrounding ecosystem becomes a constant presence, visible from nearly every part of the home.
Materials That Reflect the Region
A restrained material palette defines the exterior, combining earthen rock with stained wood finishes. These materials were chosen to reflect the colors and textures found throughout the surrounding environment, allowing the architecture to blend naturally into its setting. The result is a home that feels visually tied to the land, grounded by familiar regional tones.
A Grounded Lower Level
The lower level of the house is dedicated to practical and private functions. Here, a garage, storage room and laundry are joined by multiple bedrooms, a bathroom and a gym. These spaces sit closer to the ground, offering a sense of protection and separation from the more open areas above, while maintaining clear internal connections throughout the level.
Connecting Levels and Zones
Stairs rise through the center of the home, linking the private spaces below with the shared living areas above. As the staircase reaches the upper level, circulation opens outward. At one end sit the master suite and office, providing privacy and retreat, while the opposite end is defined by a white kitchen and an open plan living and dining area. This separation creates a clear distinction between personal and communal zones.
Living Above the Landscape
Positioned above the surrounding shrub and scrub vegetation, the living and dining areas are designed to fully engage with the landscape. Large sliding glass doors open onto a wrap around balcony, extending the interior outward. From here, expansive views unfold across the wetlands and toward the mountains beyond, reinforcing the idea of the upper level as a place for observation and connection.
Understanding the Layout
The floor plan offers a clear view of how the home is organized across its two levels. It highlights the separation of functions, the vertical movement through the house, and the way living spaces are positioned to take advantage of light, air and views.
Set within a sensitive landscape, the house shows how design can respond to place through form, layout and material choice.