Contemporary-Eco Guest House

LocationBoonville, CA

ArchitectRobert McMannis

PhotographerTechnical Imagery Studios

Structural EngineerBluestone Engineering

This guest house, set on a 3,600-acre site north of Boonville in Mendocino County was designed and constructed for a couple with long-standing ties to this rural community. The husband and wife clients are part of an extended family that has worked with Nordby Signature Homes on numerous projects for over two decades.

The couple purchased the property, located half-way between Boonville and Ukiah, as a second home. Designed by a close relative, the goal for this energy-efficient dwelling was to tread lightly on the land. Topped with a living roof, the structure is clad entirely in Redwood siding, constructed with a vented airspace to promote passive cooling. Radiant heating under the polished concrete floor and an off-site geothermal field heats the guest house, while solar panels on the roof of a previously-remodeled entertaining barn heat the main house.

The eclectic architectural style feels right at home in this free-spirited community in the northern wine country. Zinc and stone cladding call attention to columns and chimneys, setting them apart from the Redwood-wrapped exterior.

Arched roof lines, cantilevered window openings and intricately-constructed trellises – canted upward and subtly curved on the underside – come together to form a completely individual residence.

Miner Ranch Guest House Elevation - Side