turnbull griffin haesloop tucks guesthouse in a lush clearing of mill valley, CA

surrounded by cedar and redwood trees, this 640 sq. ft guesthouse by turnbull griffin haesloop architects is sited in a small clearing at the top of the mill valley in california. this charming getaway is designed to serve multiple family generations and functions: a guest room for visiting parents and friends, a media room, and hangout space for teenage children. the porch and media zone are situated on the more open side of the site while the guest room is tucked closer to the trees.

guest house surrounded by mature cedars and redwood trees
all images © david wakely

turnbull griffin haesloop has crowned the residence with a flat roof punctuated by round skylights, extending the dappled light of surrounding canopies over the expansive porch and indoors. wood siding lets the walls blend in with the vegetation while the porch ceiling and the overhead openings become a playful façade as seen from the house and backyard below. finally for a greater energy efficiency, the patio, cool roof, closed cell insulation, LED light and a high efficiency boiler keep the consumption rate at minimal levels — exceeding title 24 by 33%. 

porch under the canopy roof 

dappled light created by the punctuated openings 

canopy roof extends from the outside into the living space 

media room and living space

round skylight in the bathroom 

bedroom looking out to the porch and landscape

roof echoing the surrounding tree canopies 

building section view

site plan

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom