On a ridge in Sonoma County, the Mann House commands a 360-degree view of surrounding vineyards and mountains beyond. It is a primary residence for a family of three. The main house is a series of interconnecting spaces each borrowing from the other, allowing it to be relatively modest, yet retain privacy. For the work-at-home couple—he is a writer, she is an artist—this is important.To the L-shaped plan of the house, we added an outbuilding to define the courtyard space. This building, which splits in to become a studio and guest-room, makes a second L-shaped piece. The two interlocking “L’s” creates a series of varied outdoor areas that crop and edit adjacent views.
MANN HOUSE
2002 SONOMA COUNTY, CA
Wood Houses Ruth Slavid, Laurence King Publishing, London, 2006
Press Democrat, “The Many Faces of Home: Good Exterior Design Makes that Important First Impression, Connects House to its Setting,” Meg McConahey, June 3, 2006
The Face of Home: A New Way to Look at the Outside of Your House Jeremiah Eck, Taunton Press, 2006
Architectural Record, Lisa Findley, July 2003
This Old House, “Built-In Bookcases,” Joe Carter, November 2003
Citation Award, AIA Redwood Empire, 2002
Global Architecture Houses 59: Project 1999, Tokyo, Japan 1999