American studio Platform for Architecture + Research has designed the Desert House located in La Quinta, USA.

We aimed to contain land disturbance by siting the villas within their natural topography as much as possible. We also developed more compact building footprints by increasing outdoor living spaces that take advantage of the temperate, sunny climate.

Platform for Architecture + Research

+ Architect’s statement by Platform for Architecture + Research

The project is located on 15 acres of land several miles outside of Palm Springs, CA in the Mojave Desert. Our approach was to minimize environmental and ecological impacts while still meeting the objectives of our client's brief. In doing so, we aimed to contain land disturbance by siting the villas within their natural topography as much as possible. We also developed more compact building footprints by increasing outdoor living spaces that take advantage of the temperate, sunny climate.

Desert Houses, render courtesy PAR

The sweeping desert site has been subdivided into 18 unique plots accessed by discreet, naturally paved roadways. Plots are on average one acre and have a low lot coverage of 13 percent. Villas have been sited to maximize views and privacy while also making use of prevailing northwesterly winds for natural ventilation.

Desert Houses, render courtesy PAR

A seamless flow between indoors and out is evident where private lanes lead to courtyard entrances. Three villa typologies—Villa Y, Villa E, and Villa L—are organized around a series of courtyards sympathetic to the surrounding nature. The designs aim for the closest possible relationship between the interior space and the predominant presence of the desert landscape.

Desert Houses, render courtesy PAR

The contrasting forms of each villa are unified through similar architectural massing and shared materials and details. Each property features a formal living room, dining room, family room, two guest suites, a master suite, and staff area. Residents will have no shortage of leisure options with over 2,000 square feet of outdoor living area including private pool, fireplace, dining, and lounging areas.

Sustainable development strategies such as solar roofs, thermal massing, cross ventilation, shaded glazing and xeriscaping have been incorporated at master plan and building scales. At the master plan scale, roadways and driveways have been designed for natural drainage and visual integration through the use of stabilized, decomposed granite paving.

Desert Houses - FLOOR PLAN, drawing courtesy PAR

+ Project credits / data

Project: Desert House
Location: La Quinta, California, USA
Type: Master Planned Community, Single Family Residential
Site Conditions: New Development, Desert Terrain
Building Area: 55,700 SF
Status: 2006-2010, Permitted for Construction
Major Materials: Concrete, Glass, Wood, Decomposed Granite
Design Intent: To integrate new construction with the landscape by utilizing the architectural capacities of existing subtle landforms.
Keywords: Single Family Homes, Site Integration, Sustainable Site Strategies, Natural Ventilation,
Team: Platform for Architecture + Research in Association with Jay Vanos Architects
Image Credits: Platform for Architecture + Research (PAR) | http://www.p-ar.com/

+ All images, drawings and description courtesy Platform for Architecture + Research