Desert Dryscapes

"To dress the concrete up a bit, we did a burnished face to expose the aggregate—you get a really nice detail when you see them up close," says designer Robert Sweet. "To add some texture, we randomly rotated the blocks to use their cavities as planters." The row of cacti, aptly called "fence-post cacti," acts as a privacy wall between the entrance and courtyard.

A highly transparent metal gate serves as the entrance to the garage.

BigHorn Palm Desert modern architectural home front gate with cactus landscaping

Desert Mid-century Modern landscape

Sundial House, Front Exterior.

The bocce court sits between the master bedroom patio and an outdoor dining area featuring Jean-Marie Massaud’s Seashell chairs from Dedon. To bring in natural light while limiting direct exposure, the couple designed a horizontal window for the music room.

Desert Midcentury Modern Landscape

Backyard and outdoor living spaces, looking over the pool to the home and mountain views

Other active sustainable features included grey water harvesting, whereby the bathing and laundry water are stored and repurposed to flush toilets and irrigate the landscape, as well as photovoltaic panels that produce electricity and solar thermal plans that preheat the domestic and pool water.

Groupings of succulents accent the home’s entry path and pool area.

The home's exterior, composed of concrete and glass, welcomes guests with a traditional water fountain in the entryway. Photo by: Bill Timmerman

Fanfol Pool and Negative Edge spa with Swim Up Seating/Bar Area

At the back of the houses, cedar shingles provide an unexpected moment of visual interest.

coastal midcentury modern // entry + drought-tolerant landscaping

The Phoenix home of designers and builders Sarah Swartz Wessel and Ethan Wessel sits amid desert-friendly trees and plants. The couple bought the property in 1998 and worked on the house for a decade.

The residence’s private areas are located across the courtyard from the living spaces.