Guests from around the world who choose to stay here help financially with this restoration project.
As a landmark example of Organic Architecture, the Onion House deserves all the attention required to maintain it far into the future. The challenge is to increase the longevity of the materials so that the structure will last the next 100 years.
This list includes projects we’ve accomplished at the Onion House in the past few years. We take it ‘off the rental market’ for a month or two at a time for these maintenance projects. The idea has always been to stay as true to the original architectural vision as possible. We’ve used construction supplies, boat-building materials, sculptural art materials, and in the case of the fiberglass, surfboard resin. The project requires skilled craftsmen willing to 'think outside the box.’
This list includes projects we’ve accomplished at the Onion House in the past few years. We take it ‘off the rental market’ for a month or two at a time for these maintenance projects. The idea has always been to stay as true to the original architectural vision as possible. We’ve used construction supplies, boat-building materials, sculptural art materials, and in the case of the fiberglass, surfboard resin. The project requires skilled craftsmen willing to 'think outside the box.’
*The patina of this hand-made home demanded a careful selection of tiles, so that ‘old’ and ‘new’ would blend seamlessly. We located a quarry tile that matches the 53- year old paving tile, using it to cap all the planters. walkway, and pool steps. A frosted glass tile was selected for the faces of the planters, and a rustic Italian pool tile for the waterline and step risers. We renovated the kitchen using high-fire porcelain tiles with a very hand-made 'raku’ look.
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*The 70’ pool was renovated using a migrating rust inhibitor, which travels through concrete to treat any possible rust in the rebar used to construct the pool. After the original tile was removed, any visible rust spots were cut out and treated, to prolong the life of the rebar for decades to come. Pool equipment and pipes were updated, using both diatomaceous earth and sand filters, with a variable speed pump and LED pool lights for energy savings. The pool steps, walkway, and waterline were tiled, and Diamond Brite ‘aqua quartz’ was selected for the pool surface, giving a sparkle to the water. Marine-grade bannisters were added for safety
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*The copper gutters, which had thinned over the years, were cleaned and coated with Everclear, an art material approved for architectural applications, from Sculpt Nouveau. It lasts 10-15 years outdoors exposed to the elements before needing to be recoated, to extend the life of the copper by decades. The beauty of this material, which was developed for patinated cast bronze art sculptures, is that it is made to go over the patina, so it preserves the weathered vibrancy of the copper.
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*The lily pond was transformed into a ‘water garden’ with recirculating fountain, stone bench, and above-ground container ponds, to eliminate the invasive species of bufo toads which were attracted to the in-ground pond. The fish in these container ponds keep mosquitos under control, and the water lilies are not only quite beautiful, but they grow so prolifically that the excess can be harvested and used for fertilizer in the garden. The functional advantages of ponds are kept, while maintenance is much easier in above-ground container ponds.
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*Metalwork features throughout the home, from the entrance gate to the spires atop the domes, were treated and refinished, restoring it back to the original Taliesin West burnt red color.
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*Wood details throughout the home, including the redwood roof shingles, fascia, and koa wood cabinets were restored. We have begun the process of treating wood, in places where it is susceptible to water, with Smith & Co products, to impregnate the wood with resin, while retaining the natural look and feel of wood.
*Valleys between the roof shingles, and the overhead canopy, were treated with Gaco, a life-time silicone roofing product.
*All electronics were updated.
*Screens, furnishings and appliances were replaced.
*An outdoor shower area was created for rinsing off sand and dive gear. Gravel pathways, fruit trees, landscaping and irrigation were added.
*Valleys between the roof shingles, and the overhead canopy, were treated with Gaco, a life-time silicone roofing product.
*All electronics were updated.
*Screens, furnishings and appliances were replaced.
*An outdoor shower area was created for rinsing off sand and dive gear. Gravel pathways, fruit trees, landscaping and irrigation were added.
