International Wood International Wood 2008 | Page 41

Respected architect, Mickey Muennig, embraced the philosophy of
building with nature and using “green” practices four decades before
it was popular. He is the genius behind the original 30 units of Post
Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar restaurant where his intuition and creativity
are evident.
The materials chosen for the proj ect were specified to unite the
buildings with the environment. “Wood is a very good material and
can be economical to use, so I used it to the extent that I could,” says
Muennig, by way of introducing the domestic and exotic woods used
in the design. The exterior is comprised almost entirely of re-claimed
redwood finished with beeswax and built in removable panels for easy
maintenance. Douglas fir glulam beams are used in the interior sur-
faces often shooting through the glass panels into the great outdoors.
Bubinga (Guibourtia spp.) is used for all the interior millwork and
hand-crafted furniture. According to Muennig, “We picked bubinga
because it is very durable, doesn’t rot and doesn’t decay. You put it up
and let it weather, and it turns naturally more beautiful with age. It is
a very good wood. I use bubinga in most of my homes.”
The organic architecture of Post Ranch
Inn connects the buildings to the land.
Imported and domestic wood species
root the design into the environment and
extend the reach of nature’s harmony.
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