• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Contact Us
  • Submit Your Tiny House
  • Privacy Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
Tiny Houses
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Homes
  • For Sale
  • Living
  • DIY
  • Vacations
  • Houses
  • Tiny House Plans
  • Campers
  • News
  • Tiny Collections
  • About Us
  • Submit Your Tiny House
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
search icon
Homepage link
  • Homes
  • For Sale
  • Living
  • DIY
  • Vacations
  • Houses
  • Tiny House Plans
  • Campers
  • News
  • Tiny Collections
  • About Us
  • Submit Your Tiny House
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
×

Home » Tiny Homes

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

Published: Nov 4, 2017 · Modified: Aug 9, 2020 by itiny · This post may contain affiliate links ·

When two readers looking for a quiet retreat decided to commission Cathy Schwabe Architecture, they were right on the mark. The stunning 840-square-foot cottage Schwabe designed for them barely classifies as a tiny house, but it is small enough for me to feature on our site. Plus, it is so gorgeous I just couldn’t resist.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

One of the requests made by the pair who commissioned the house was that it feel like an outdoor porch. Constructed on a sloping lot, it stands in a location which offers a couple of advantages: lovely views of the surrounding woods, and privacy from the homes located nearby. A retaining wall directs seasonal rainwater clear of the house and down the slope into the forest.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

All of the interior spaces of the home share some common design elements: a sloping ceiling, and large windows comprising much of the wall space.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

The effect created by these repeating architectural elements is similar to the feeling of being inside a tree house.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

The house has many green features incorporated into its design. The way it is situated allows for natural ventilation and plenty of daylight. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and ventilation.

Other green features include dimmers for all lights, low-use water fixtures, a high-efficiency direct-vent furnace, locally harvested cedar siding, a built-in recycling center, and a set of Energy Star appliances.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

Here is a shot which really captures the best of what this home has to offer. That window spans most of the wall with a low bookshelf below. The view outside is startling.

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

A wide patio provides plenty of space to relax and entertain guests surrounded by the beauty of the verdant trees.

See also  This Stunning Tiny House in Aurora, Colorado, is On Sale For Just $20,000

The Mendocino County House Is a Stunning Contemporary Retreat

Seen from the other side, this house is less dramatic, but still grabs the eye with its distinctive contemporary design.

Speaking on the design choices used, Cathy Schwabe writes, “I enjoy distilling a design down to the essential pieces — often starting big and messy and then gradually, in an iterative manner, working towards the simplest design solution that, once “there,” touches an essential part of each of us.”

I am sure that this beautiful woodland retreat is essential to its lucky owners, offering an indispensable haven from everyday life.

Want to learn more about the Mendocino County House? Visit the official site here http://www.cathyschwabearchitecture.com/projects/mendocino-county.html.

More Tiny Homes

  • Featured Img of This Budget-friendly, NOAH Certified Tiny Home Is All up for Grabs!
    This Budget-Friendly, NOAH Certified Tiny Home Is All Up For Grabs!
  • Featured Img of 2 Bedroom Tiny House in Florida Has a Budget Friendly Price Tag
    2 Bedroom Tiny House In Florida Has A Budget Friendly Price Tag
  • Featured Img of AirBnB Container Home Spans 20 Feet, Is Super Cozy!
    AirBnB Container Home Spans 20 Feet, Is Super Cozy!
  • Featured Img of 5th Wheel Tiny Home Can Be Your Home Sweet Home for Just 28 Gs!
    5th Wheel Tiny Home Can Be Your Home Sweet Home For Just 28 Gs!

Primary Sidebar

Tiny House Profile

Hi, I'm Eliza! Learn everything about tiny houses and check out the latest designs daily. We have over 2000 Tiny House tours and many interesting design collections.

More about me →

Most Commented:

  • The Camp Callaway Cottage is a Stunning Retreat in the Woods
  • The Gatehouse Tiny House is a Rustic Dream in Minnesota
  • Gorgeous and Roomy Arched Cabin has Rustic Charm and Only $5K
  • This 399 Square Feet Tiny Home Will Have You Drooling! {Free Floor Plan}

Recent:

  • Featured Img of 24' Move-in Ready Home Is a Super Tiny, Decked Out Residence!
    24′ Move-In Ready Home Is A Super Tiny, Decked Out Residence!
  • Featured Img of 28' Custom Tiny Home is Beautifully Built, Move in Ready
    28′ Custom Tiny Home Is Beautifully Built, Move In Ready
  • Featured Img of Spacious 1 Bedroom Tiny House is Fully Off-Grid Capable
    Spacious 1 Bedroom Tiny House Is Fully Off-Grid Capable
  • Featured Img of $42K Beautiful Cozy Home Is Perched on a Rentable Lot in Good Ol' Texas!
    $42K Beautiful Cozy Home Is Perched On A Rentable Lot In Good Ol’ Texas!

Follow Us:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Categories

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Submit Your Tiny House

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 iTinyHouses.com LLC.

3.4K shares
3.4K shares
  • 3.2K