Wall with a View
A simple gesture—attuned to nature—magnifies the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Mendocino’s rugged landscape holds a strong allure, and from this ridge-top perch, unbound in all directions, the power of nature is both breathtaking and humbling. Building in such a place can be a contest of wills—humans against earth, wind, fire and scarce water—but with deference to nature, comes a poetic efficiency.
The home’s elongated plan and robust materials are a response to the site—the sometimes forceful westerly winds and hot summer days. Its slender footprint preserves open space around the house, creating room for a pool. A breezeway, both a room and a passageway, frames the oak woodlands beyond.
The entire home works as an operable system designed to both tap into and temper natural elements. The building uses sunlight to generate energy, heat water, and light the interior, while radiant floors, energy recovery units, and natural air flows efficiently modulate indoor temperatures. The heavy concrete wall, deep steel clad roof and a metal mesh screen help keep the house comfortable inside and protect against wildfires.
