![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
Harmon Guest House by David Baker offers contemporary lodging in California wine country
American firm David Baker Architects has completed an eco-hotel in Sonoma County that features board-marked concrete walls, a garden courtyard and a brise-soleil made of redwood slats.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x568.jpg)
Harmon Guest House is part of a trio of "boutique eco-hotels" in the town of Healdsburg that were designed by David Baker Architects, a studio based in San Francisco. All of the inns are situated along or near the town's historic square.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-angie-silvy_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x525.jpg)
Occupying a relatively narrow lot, the Harmon Guest House contains 39 guest rooms distributed across three floors. The ground level encompasses a lobby and parking area for cars and bikes. The top floor contains a flexible event space, along with a rooftop bar that is sheltered by a slatted canopy. The hotel totals 39,876 square feet (3,705 square metres).
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x568.jpg)
The street-facing elevation has a distinctive look. At the ground level, one side consists of concrete and glass, while the other has a large void that provides access to the parking. The upper levels of the facade are sheathed in horizontal and vertical slats made of redwood. A glazed stairwell runs up the centre of the elevation.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
Once inside, visitors encounter a lobby with board-marked concrete walls, an eclectic mix of chairs and a reception desk made of metal and large chunks of wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows engage the interior with the surrounding streetscape.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x568.jpg)
"A dramatic glass entry lobby and green stair set the tone of openness and welcome," the team said in a project description.
A wooden staircase lined with metal mesh – evoking chainlink fencing – leads to the upper levels. Guest rooms are grouped in pods at the front and rear of the hotel. A central courtyard crossed by bridges enables fresh air and daylight to penetrate the interior.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x568.jpg)
Rooms feature earthy materials and an interplay of light and dark tones. Oak flooring and white walls are paired with a mix of classic and contemporary decor. In the bedroom, the team added built-in cabinetry and a quilted headboard. Notable accents include hand-loomed bed throws, wool-felt rugs and locally sourced artwork.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x1277.jpg)
Each room offers a balcony or patio, enabling guests to enjoy the pleasant climate in California’s wine country. The rear of the hotel faces Foss Creek, a critical waterway in the area, and a waterfront park with native plantings. A wooden footbridge connects the hotel to the park.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_18-852x568.jpg)
Sustainability was a guiding concern for the team. Eco-friendly elements include LED lighting, FSC-certified wood, and a solar thermal water heating system. The hotel has earned LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.
![Harmon Guest House in Sonoma, California by David Baker Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/06/harmon-guest-house-david-baker-architects-healdsburg-california-bruce-damonte_dezeen_2364_col_19-852x568.jpg)
Formed in 1982, David Baker Architects has an extensive portfolio of residential projects in the Bay Area and beyond. Recent projects include the 388 Fulton complex, which contains market-rate micro apartments, and a colourful apartment building for low-income seniors.
Photography is by Bruce Damonte, unless stated otherwise.
Project credits:
Developer/owner: Piazza Hospitality
Architect: David Baker Architects
Interior architect: David Baker Architects
Landscape: Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture
Structural engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers
Lighting designer: Horton Lees Brogden
MEP engineer: Emerald City Engineers
Civil engineer: Summit Engineering