This home is nestled among oaks north of Ukiah in Mendocino County, California, and is designed to be comfortable, energy efficient and to take advantage of spacious views. A trellised patio will be on the north side for summer use. The design tries to take advantage of cooling afternoon breezes coming across a nearby pond. Concrete floors and careful shading will also keep the house cool during the hot summer months. Tony Styskal, the job supervisor, relaxing at lunch.
Posts are in place, trusses up, and ready for plywood.
Bales will be installed next. The building uses solar hot water and electric panels, with a woodstove and propane boiler for back-up heat. When the project is finished, the landscaping will include permaculture gardens, ponds, and orchards. Roof truses on a sunny day.