SITE: The bottom edge of a forested hillside near the Sonoma County coastline. Dense redwoods and firs obscure neighbors and sunlight, but there is some ocean view from an elevated position.

PROGRAM: A house for a retired couple: 1 bedroom, 2 studios (he is an artist, she is a research writer), minimal guest accommodations, and lots of bookcases. A hot tub deck is planned for the future.

SOLUTION: The entry path winds counter clockwise up around a group of young redwoods to the front door of the house. Whereupon the interior entry continues to wind until the trees are nearly circumscribed. The circulation then reverses and winds clockwise up and around a central core of 2x8 and 2x4 exposed wall framing, serving as a giant, continuous bookcase. Each adjoining interior space becomes more private, culminating in the sky lit bedroom at the top. There is a small bunk room off the entry and a painting studio and garage are situated below.

SIZE and MATERIALS: A 1600 SF house and a 350 SF garage/shop. The exterior has vertical redwood board walls and black composition shingle roofs. The interior has gypsum board walls and Douglas fir floors, 3 inch T&G ceilings, exposed wall framing, doors, trim, and cabinets.