Top 5 Homes of the Week That Boldly Complement the Rugged Desert
The dream of desert modernism is alive and well in these modern homes. Take a peek at the too-hot picks from the Dwell community that caught our editor’s eye this week.
Featured homes were submitted by members of the Dwell community through our Add a Home feature. Add your home to dwell.com/homes today.
1. Thunderbird Heights Residence
"The client’s goals were to create an open and light-filled home that maximized views of the Coachella Valley below and the Santa Rosa mountains to the south and west," says designer Stuart Silk Architects. Thunderbird Heights Residence enjoys a fluid connection between the primary indoor rooms and the outdoor terraces both for entertaining and casual outdoor living.
Photo by David Papazian
Architect: Stuart Silk Architects, Location: Rancho Mirage, California
From the architect: "Originally built in the 1960s, the challenge for this project was how to update a midcentury modern house without sacrificing its charm. Situated on a 1.3-acre site perched on a plateau above Coachella Valley, the rugged, inhospitable Santa Rosa Mountains rise immediately from the back yard; bighorn sheep can often be seen wandering on the rocks above. The 6,357-square-foot house sits roughly in the middle of the property; entry is off the driveway and through a private courtyard."
2. Ridge Mountain Residence
Using a natural material palette helps Ridge Mountain Residence by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects blend in with its surroundings: the concrete complements the light browns and tans of the surrounding mountains, while Cor-ten steel cladding provides a naturally weathering material.
Photo: lance gerber
Architect: Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, Location: Palm Springs, California
From the architect: "Envisioned as a sculptural piece that grows from the existing landscape, the Ridge Mountain Residence [takes] advantage of the incredible vistas to the valleys, open spaces, and untouched surrounding areas [of] Palm Springs. The house dissolves the barriers between indoors and out by integrating sliding doors and operable windows to facilitate natural ventilation which also creates an uninterrupted flow from the shared space to the infinity edge pool. The extreme topography changes of the site help screen the house from adjacent properties and cul-de-sac. The site is accessed via a drive which is conceived as a canyon that is carved through the eight foot tall rock face rising from the curb below. The house harmonizes with its natural habitat and echoes the subtle beauty of its desert location, and accordingly will have low impact in its remote location."
3. Casa Marana
A low profile and careful massing helps integrate Casa Marana with the landscape.
Photo by Steven Meckler
Architect: SKL Architects, Location: Tucson, Arizona
From the architect: "Casa Marana is a small home built in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona, with views of the Tortolita and Catalina Mountains. The residence integrates with the landscape by using careful massing, natural materials, and preserving the existing topography and vegetation. The home is oriented around a natural alignment of several saguaro cacti that lead you through the site. The entry sequence begins over a bridge that connects the garage with the main house and preserves a natural arroyo that runs through the property. The home is organized as three adobe boxes that contain the private areas of the home such as the master suite, den and laundry, and a guest house. A main roof connects the masses and houses the public and social program of the residence: the kitchen, living room, and dining area."
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ShopAncient Medicine 17 by Brian Merriam Print
These photographs are a small selection from a series taken during Merriam's travels throughout Alaska in July 2016. Journeying between Denali and Wrangell across St. Alias National Park, the terrain spiked Merriam's interested and exploration of portrait landscapes. The almost painterly effect of these landscapes look dream-like. Photo Courtesy of Tappan Collective
ShopAt Home in Joshua Tree: A Field Guide to Desert Living
Infuse your life with desert vibes, from home designs and entertaining plans to wellness rituals, with this beautifully illustrated lifestyle guide from the creators of The Joshua Tree House. At Home in Joshua Tree offers a peek inside the captivating world of southern California's high-desert, with The Joshua Tree House founders Sara and Rich Combs bringing readers into their laid back, inviting world through mindful practices that enhance the everyday. Guided by nature and the cycles of the sun, this beautiful book offers an intentional, mindful way of living that combines the very best of the wellness movement and modern design to celebrate the singular beauty of the desert. Dive into the design principles that guide The Joshua Tree House, then experience a day in the desert, from sunrise to nightfall. Each chapter in this beautiful lifestyle guide incorporates designs, recipes, wellness practices, and entertaining rituals that elevate and honor the ordinary moments associated with that time. Interviews with other designers, artists, and makers who are inspired by the desert, including those whose designs are featured throughout the Joshua Tree House, are sprinkled throughout, alongside gorgeous full-bleed photographs and a complete sourcing guide. Publisher: Running Press Adult Photo Courtesy of Amazon
ShopA street view of Troon Modern by Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative.
Photo by Miguel Coelho
Architect: Brent Kendle / Kendle Design Collaborative, Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
From the architect: "A bold yet minimal residence contrasts against the organic softness of the desert floor and rising Pinnacle Peak to the east. The geometric layout of the planters and sharp edges of blocks walls, accented with dark metal slots and apertures, stand against the backdrop of the mountain and desert brush. The plan is carefully choreographed to shield views of the neighboring properties while an ample wall of retracting glass choreographs the flow of air and light, allowing the home to become an extension of nature."
5. Chino Canyon House
Hundred Mile House added a new pool and patio off of the main living area of Chino Canyon House, as well as private outdoor spaces off of each bedroom, to create a uniquely Californian experience.
Photo: lance gerber
Architect: Hundred Mile House, Location: Palm Springs, California
From the architect: "This project is a renovation and addition to a custom-built home built in 1954 at the base of San Jacinto Mountain in Palm Springs, California. The original layout, post-and-beam construction, wall of custom wooden windows, and unique architectural detailing are reminiscent of Cliff May’s iconic Rancho homes, yet the original architect is unknown. The primary goal with the program was to maintain the unique character of the original structure while upgrading the home to be more energy efficient, spacious, and functional. Square footage was more than doubled, but the street presence was kept minimal. The new L-shaped footprint wraps around an entry courtyard and was inspired by classic ranch homes of the Southwest. The original siting of the house fully considered the desert sun, keeping the main living area and window wall in shade for most of the day with deep eaves and a Northwest exposure. The addition extrapolates on the thoughtful siting and fully considers the home’s desert location. The material palette is inspired by the desert—raw, harsh, but minimal. Rusted steel fencing and courtyard walls complement a crisp sand-colored stucco, while the dark wood windows mirror the rust and add warmth and sophistication."
Related Reading:
A Sustainable, Modern Home Frames a Prickly Desert Landscape
Take in Panoramic Desert Views in This Off-Grid Cabin
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