Guitar House
Corte Madera, California
Coastal Mediterranean climate
Sutton Manor Creek Watershed
Corte Madera Creek watershed
imeless home built for a life of several hundred
years.
This complex of four structures on the hilltop
location of Bill Graham’s old compound (recycled for
this project) nestled within mature trees overlooking
one of the Bay Area’s most stunning 360 degree
views.
Perhaps the finest rammed earth construction in the
country, this home is a testament to an unusually
dedicated collaboration between architects, builders
and the vision of the owners.
Traditionally-formed rammed earth
Sprayed earth construction (pise’)
Passive solar, solar hot water
Photovoltaics with off-grid battery storage
Balanced natural daylighting
Natural ventilation – both cross and stack effect
Super-premium windows (Albertini)
Framing lumber either FSC certified or reclaimed
Hardwood floors milled from Tan Oak
(clients supported small mills
that salvaged this usually-discarded tree)
Nontoxic and recycled materials throughout
Radiant heated floors
Plumbing for both graywater and
wetlands water treatment options.
Electrical testing for electromagnetic fields (EMFs)