The redwood coast at dusk
Journal

Notes from the redwood coast

Project updates, building craft, and life in Del Norte County.

A custom home nestled in old-growth redwoods

Building Among Giants: Sustainable Construction in the Redwoods

What it really takes to build a high-performance home without disturbing the forest it lives in — from minimal-impact siting to locally sourced, durable materials.

Draft seed post — to be completed with research from the regional brief

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More from the journal

A new custom home taking shape

Breaking Ground on the Coastal Modern Residence

A look at the early sitework and design choices on our newest build along the Del Norte coast.

Draft seed post
Natural materials in a custom interior

Why We Build With Local Stone and Timber

How regional materials create homes that feel rooted, age beautifully, and tread lightly.

Draft seed post
The Smith River and surrounding redwoods

A Local’s Guide to the Smith River

California’s last major free-flowing river — and why it shapes life in Del Norte County.

Draft — awaiting research brief

Building Among Giants: Sustainable Construction in the Redwoods

Seed draft. Final copy and regional facts will be confirmed before publishing.

Building a home among old-growth redwoods is a privilege that comes with responsibility. The trees that make these sites so extraordinary are also what we work hardest to protect — long before the first foundation is poured.

It starts with where the home sits

Every Marshall Jones home begins with a careful study of the land: the trees worth saving, the natural drainage, the path of the light. We shape the footprint around what’s already there, so the forest stays intact and the home feels like it belongs.

The best homes don’t conquer a site — they complete it.

Materials that belong to the place

We favor local and reclaimed materials wherever possible — regional stone, coastal-grade timber, and salvaged wood that carries the character of the coast. These choices shorten supply chains, reduce waste, and produce a home that ages gracefully in a wet, green climate.

  • High-performance building envelopes for year-round efficiency
  • Durable, climate-appropriate detailing that lasts
  • On-site materials reused as signature features

The result is a home that’s as responsible as it is beautiful — built to stand quietly among the giants for generations.

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A few times a year: new homes, building insights, and the best of the redwood coast.

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