From Gas Station To Hotel – The Eco-Friendly H2

The H2 Hotel is located in Healdsburg, California and sits on a site that used to be occupied by an old gas station. The transformation of the site is dramatic and very inspiring, especially taking into consideration the fact that the hotel is LEED Gold certified.

h2 Hotel by david backer and partners

The transformation was the work of David Baker + Partners, a progressive architecture firm based in San Francisco. It was established back in 1982 by David Baker and has had a creative approach ever since, always trying to transform and elevate the standards and lives of every client through their urban projects.

h2 Hotel by david backer and partners pool

The hotel is sustainable and eco-friendly and these characteristics are embedded deep in its design. It has a green roof and solar panels but that’s not all. Part of the project was also to restore the surrounding banks of the Foss Creek that runs in the vicinity and to preserve the large oak tree present on the site.

h2 Hotel by david backer and partners street

Custom bike racks were installed and they hold public bicycles which the hotel’s guests can use as transportation around the city. It’s a lovely way to encourage this healthy, fun and eco-friendly activity and it’s a feature that gives the hotel a cool and inspiring character.

h2 Hotel by david backer and partners balcony
h2 Hotel by david backer and partners entryway

A large glass entryway welcomes guests into the lobby lounge. Here, they reach the reception desk which, interestingly enough, doubles as a wine bar. This gives the hotel a very casual and pleasant allure.

All these subtle touches definitely make the hotel interesting and memorable but don’t take away its straightforward appeal. Its overall design is scaled-down and pragmatic but in a stylish and luxurious way.

h2 Hotel by david backer and partners roofttop

The rooms are decorated with reclaimed wood bed frames and cabinets and have bamboo flooring. The décor is simple and functional, with a casual charm. The rooms have desks with strategically-placed wall-mounted lamps and sconces, chic tables, comfortable chairs and bright bathrooms.