Architecture Wednesday: West Marin Ranch

Ah, Marin; and a farmhouse sitting atop a knoll. What a getaway.

Especially this house, a cluster of buildings shapes a courtyard that frames a view back to Mount Tamalpais. The courtyard shields the strong winds and creates a warm sunny spot for the plunge pool and hot tub.

Inside there is a large living-dining-kitchen space that allows for sixteen of your nearest and dearest to gather; and not to worry about after the party because there are bedrooms and bunkrooms for people sleep over.

Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, with a remote photovoltaic array providing power, high R-value insulation, reclaimed wood floors, and zoned radiant heat with passive cooling. A rainwater capture system is used for toilet flushing.

Outside, the house is Western red cedar with a corrugated zinc roof and stainless steel sunshades to protect the windows from solar heat gain.

It’s a party house, a weekend hot spot, the perfect getaway, and good for Mama Earth too!

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