The site is 44 acres in Sonoma County with a developer cut building pad, a predrilled well and expansive views in all directions. The pad is the only level area on the site and the surrounding slope drops away steeply. To preserve outdoor use of this pad, the house and separate garage are designed as long, narrow, wall-like structures set at opposite ends of the pad, creating a courtyard between them.

Arriving at the "garage-wall", one encounters a portal, embellished with a massive log gutter, leading to the courtyard beyond. The courtyard includes a lap pool and is landscaped to contribute to the entry experience. Across the courtyard the "house-wall" also incorporates a portal; this one framing a black oak while providing covered entries to both the house and guest quarters.

Hip roofs help the building forms contour to the hilltop and exterior materials are selected to harmonize with the landscape: vertical redwood boards and gray corrugated metal roofing. The owners' request for large amounts of display and storage space is accommodated by a two-story gallery of exposed 2x10 studs and blocking along the main axis of the house, accessed by a library ladder. The wall and this central space are washed with natural light by long, thin skylights atop the northerly roof slope. The living/dining areas and associated alcoves are located below the master bedroom and open onto a southerly covered porch while Mary's room and the guest quarters open onto end decks poking through the trees. A wine cellar and mechanical space are located in the basement.