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Light on the Land

With its humble footprint and restrained use of local materials, this 1,400-square-foot house in Northern California makes a dramatic impression

Dominique Vorillon

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Scenic Escape

Sally Benson and Terry Surles fell in love with Mendocino’s rugged landscape and ocean views, Sally says, but “we had no idea how difficult it would be to build here.” Architects Mary Griffin and Eric Haesloop, of San Francisco firm Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects (TGH), encouraged the couple to embrace the challenges. The resulting retreat makes the most of its dramatic site.