Escape to Bighorn House: Your Ultimate Palm Desert Oasis
Bighorn House, an exquisite Palm Desert oasis and escape in the desert.
Bighorn House is a luxurious estate that offers amazing views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, as well as the Palm Desert golf course. The home is decorated with contemporary and traditional style, and has been beautifully updated with luxurious amenities and finishes. With private pool and spa, and a private desert landscape, Bighorn House is the perfect home for any Palm Desert fan.
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, you'll find Bighorn House, an architectural masterpiece situated next to the Mountain Course at Bighorn Golf Club. The main living area of this remarkable residence has been thoughtfully designed to offer a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding desert landscape, featuring mountains, trees, and the expansive sky. The primary objective behind its design was to seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors, ensuring that every corner offers captivating water views.
As you approach from the street, your eye is immediately drawn to the clean, horizontal lines that echo through the driveway and entry steps. The exterior of the house is a harmonious reflection of the desert's color palette, with brown porcelain siding and light stucco. A serene pond courtyard, graced by three elegant fountains, acts as a tranquil transition from the exterior to the interior, offering unobstructed views of the mountains and sky.
This courtyard serves as the heart of the house, a space intricately designed yet beautifully uncluttered, featuring custom-made furniture. The kitchen, bar, and dining area are a study in crisp whites, seamlessly merging with the seating area, a welcoming fireplace, and a custom marble wine storage nook. Notably, clerestory windows at the roofline serve as a key architectural element.
The outdoor living area is fully equipped for your every need, complete with water features, fireplaces, and meticulously landscaped surroundings. The full outdoor kitchen and dining space, accentuated with a fireplace seating area and LED lighting, offer a perfect space for both cooking and entertaining.
The home theater can transform from a casual TV-watching space into a mini theater with the convenience of closed doors and blackout curtains.
One exceptional feature of the house is the flooring, featuring a clever design where the top tiles are supported by small adjustable pedestals from below. This design allows the subfloor to be sloped for proper drainage while keeping the top tiles perfectly level. Open seams at the edges ensure rain drains away, and damaged tiles can be easily replaced.
The primary suite showcases warm walnut floors, ceilings, and cabinetry complemented by a rich chocolate-colored wall treatment. The primary bathroom features a lavish rain shower panel, adding a touch of luxury to everyday life. One can even bathe with a view, thanks to carefully landscaped surroundings that provide privacy. Three guest suites with private patios are conveniently accessible through a separate entrance at the front gate.
This 5,000-square-foot residence embodies the essence of simplicity while paying tribute to the surrounding mountains, water, and the great outdoors. It is a welcoming space for guests and social gatherings, while also offering an intimate and tranquil retreat for those seeking solitude.
From the awe-inspiring views of the Santa Rosa Mountains to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, this home masterfully strikes a balance between elegance and serenity. It is a place where cherished memories are created, guests are warmly hosted, and solace is found in the embrace of nature. Bighorn House stands as a harmonious union of architecture and landscape, where the mountains, water, and the great outdoors converge to deliver an exceptional living experience beyond compare.
Project: Bighorn House
Architects: Whipple Russell Architects https://whipplerussell.com/
Area: 5000 ft²
Year: 2022
Photographs: William MacCollum https://www.maccollum.com/
Manufacturers: Western Window Systems, panoramah!®, Ascenti, Hardsurface Broker
Interior Designer Firm: Carla Kalwaitis Design
Landscape Architect: Anne Attinger, Attinger Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineer Team: Delta Engineering
Project Manager: Yoav Weiss
Photographer: William MacCollum
Video Documentary: Geoff Franklin, Be Film Inc.
General Contractor : Jeff Stoker, Stoker Construction Inc.
Lighting Designer: John Fox, Fox and Fox Design
Audio/Video: Signals Audio Video
Location: Palm Desert, California, United States
23
views
Modern Hacienda Multiple Courtyard Designed Around Tamarind Tree
Casa Tamarindo is a special house that beautifully combines architecture and nature. The heart of this architectural project is the magnificent tamarind tree, which plays a central role in the design. The built structures around the tree, frame the natural surroundings, guiding you from the main entrance to other areas of the house.
The house is thoughtfully divided into public and private spaces, oriented around the tree's original location. This approach allows most of the natural landscape to remain intact while seamlessly integrating the outdoors into every part of the house. There are inner courtyards and paths that lead to gardens throughout the property, emphasizing the tree as the star of the show.
Situated in the San Sebastian neighborhood, on an irregular plot with existing vegetation, this unique home was created for a visual artist, graphic designer and writer.
The architectural plan wasn't complex, but the plot's characteristics, the client's vision, the need to preserve larger trees, and other nearby elements made it a challenge to design a single-story, two-bedroom home with various spaces, including a studio for art, writing, and outdoor areas like gardens, a pool, dining, living spaces, and a sunbathing area.
The main concept was to allow the residents to enjoy different spaces throughout the day, all centered around the ancient Tamarind tree. This tree serves as a focal point, organizing the surrounding areas and creating a central courtyard that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Another standout element is the guiding wall, which welcomes both residents and visitors, guiding them through the property and creating a pleasant journey from the street to the main entrance. This wall can be solid and imposing in some parts, while in others, it opens up to frame the architectural elements or the existing vegetation. It even transforms into an entrance vestibule for the art studio.
The choice of materials for both interior and exterior walls was crucial to achieving the desired look. While there was an appreciation for Yucatecan haciendas, the primary goal was to create a contemporary, timeless design.
The use of materials that age gracefully and develop character over time was essential. Integral colored cement with a slightly uneven texture provided a natural and organic feel, allowing the house to evolve and develop a unique character as it ages. This blend of aesthetics and functionality resulted in a design referred to as "Contemporary Hacienda."
The ingenious design that revolves around the majestic Tamarind tree not only preserves the essence of the natural surroundings but also seamlessly integrates the outdoors into every facet of the home. The architects' decision to embrace and celebrate the existing trees and to use materials that evolve gracefully over time has created a timeless and unique living space.
Casa Tamarindo is a testament to the power of visionary design, where the beauty of the past and the vitality of the present unite to form a truly inspiring architectural masterpiece.
Architects: Taller Estilo Arquitectura https://www.tallerestiloarquitectura.com/
Area: 375 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Manolo Solís
Lead Architects: Víctor Alejandro Cruz Domínguez, Iván Atahualpa Hernández Salazar, Luís Armando Estrada Aguilar, Silvia Cuitún Coronado, Yahir Ortega Pantoja
Location: Mérida, Mexico
154
views
Three Level Home Connected by Ramps and Bridges | Aamchit Residence
The Aamchit Residence graces the coast of Lebanon, establishing a breathtaking connection with the expansive Mediterranean horizon. The house is thoughtfully arranged across three levels, rising gracefully above the access road, navigating the sloping terrain with poise. Embracing openness and minimalism, the multilevel structure interconnects rooms through outdoor bridges.
Access to the house is facilitated from the street level just below the top deck, with the external entry landing serving as a central hub connecting all three residence levels. The upper floor is home to the master bedroom, enveloped by windows and glass walls offering panoramic views. A lengthy pool and a spacious terrace adorn the upper arch, creating a luxurious and inviting space.
The middle tier accommodates a family living area and two bedrooms surrounded by floor to ceiling glass walls that open onto a wooden balcony, while the lower deck serves as a reception space extending outdoors towards the sea, featuring an infinity pool and a staircase leading to the shore.
Beyond the internal circulation core, an elegant promenade, consisting of external ramps and staircases, weaves through the platforms, seamlessly connecting different levels of the rocky landscape from the street to the sea. The rhythmic interplay of the steel structure, wooden decking, and louver systems weaves a tapestry of overlapping shadows, transforming the seemingly simple structure into a dynamic and vibrant entity.
In its architectural magnificence, the Aamchit Residence not only stands as a testament to the innovative design prowess of Blankpage Architects but also serves as a harmonious ode to its coastal locale in Aamchit, Lebanon. From its elevated vantage point, the residence captures the essence of the Mediterranean horizon, offering panoramic views and a seamless integration with the natural landscape. With its thoughtful arrangement of levels, open design, and dynamic interplay of materials, the residence transcends the ordinary, creating a living space that not only meets the needs of modern living but also celebrates the beauty of its surroundings.
Project: Aamchit Residence
Architects: BLANKPAGE Architects https://www.blankpagearch.com/
Area: 430 m²
Photographs: Ieva Saudargaité https://www.ievasaudargaite.com/
Mechanical Engineering: Bachir Saade
Architect In Charge: Karim Nader, Patrick Mezher, Walid Ghantous
Collaborators: Jemma Chidiac
Electrical Engineering: Roger Noujeim
Structural Engineering: Antoine Bou Chedid.
Custom Lighting Design And Manufacturing: PSLAB
City: Aamchit
Country: Lebanon
9
views
Refurbished Holiday Chalet in Austrian Alps | Chalet D
Relaxation in the middle of the Alps surrounded by picturesque mountains. This dream has become reality with “Chalet D” in the Austrian Alps. “Chalet D” was designed as a holiday chalet including a spa area, where families can spend their holidays together.
The contemporary redesign breathes new life into the existing building and sets it in dialogue with its surroundings. Oak wood, dry stone walls and exposed beams give the chalet a typical alpine flair. The wood of the exterior areas was treated back to its original appearance.
Inside, a modern kitchen as well as a large dining and spacious living area on the middle floor create a convivial space for communal living. The cross beams have been restored and made visible through dark coloring. Large windows offer different views of the surrounding mountains on each floor. Light oak wood and numerous fireplaces create a warm and inviting environment.
Four spacious bedrooms, each with their own lounge area and bathroom offer opportunities to rest and relax on the top floor.
The lowest floor of the house features a spa. The use of soft materials, soft colors and colorful LED lighting contribute perfectly to relaxation.
Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, "Chalet D" is a haven of tranquility and luxury. The meticulous contemporary redesign seamlessly integrates the chalet with its breathtaking surroundings, embracing the alpine charm with oak wood, dry stone walls, and exposed beams. The restoration of cross beams and the use of light oak wood create a warm ambiance, complemented by the inviting glow of numerous fireplaces. With spacious bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and expansive living spaces, the chalet offers a perfect blend of communal living and private retreat. Whether enjoying breakfast on the large terrace or unwinding in the spa area adorned with soft materials and colorful LED lighting, "Chalet D" provides an idyllic escape for families seeking a harmonious holiday experience amidst the majestic Alps.
Project: Chalet D
Architects: monovolume architecture + design https://www.monovolume.cc/en/
Area: 950 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Meraner and Hauser https://meraner-hauser.com/
Design Team: Sergio Aguado Hernández, Astrid Hasler, Diego Preghenella
Country: Austria
11
views
Filipino Stilt House with Panoramic Views | PK House
PK House draws inspiration from the traditional Filipino stilt house known as 'Bahay Kubo'. This architectural concept, rooted in Filipino culture, features a raised dwelling supported by wooden stilts, with a lower space called 'Silong' serving as a utility area for storage and ventilation.
The main living area occupies the elevated space, providing flexibility for living and sleeping arrangements, and is crowned by a thatched hip roof extending outward as a shield against the tropical elements.
PK House reimagines the Bahay Kubo's essence with a contemporary twist. The ground level encompasses the Silong, serving as a multifunctional communal area, complete with an expansive Iron Wood Table, lounge nooks, and a gallery-style kitchen. Extending beyond are the pool deck and firepit courtyard, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living spaces, accentuated by a lap pool and hot pool, offering a breathtaking view of the horizon.
Ascending to the second level, the Living Area is enveloped by operable glazing panels, providing panoramic views of the seaside and mountains. Perimeter decks encircle the space, offering elevated vantage points and acting as protective eaves for the level below.
The third level houses the Master Bedroom, offering uninterrupted views of the sunrise over the sea horizon. A wooden Inoki bath adds a touch of luxury, while a Turnable Glazing System seamlessly integrates the interior with the perimeter deck, creating an expanded living space.
Atop the structure, a roof deck provides an intimate setting for open-air gatherings, complete with a Barbecue Bar, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding natural beauty of Calatagan.
Constructed with a steel framing system, PK House employs sandblasting and protective seals to withstand the seaside environment, with cascading levels creating a pyramid-like silhouette. Cantilevers serve as a climatic response, shielding the interior from harsh weather conditions while promoting natural ventilation.
The holistic design of PK House achieves a harmonious blend of spaces, tailored to the tropical climate, providing a tranquil haven for its inhabitants to unwind and connect with nature.
Project: PK House
Architects: 8X8 Design Studio Co. https://www.8x8designstudio.com/
Photographs: Bien Alvarez https://bienalvarez.com/
Manufacturers: Gessi, Lutron, Vitrocsa, Albero, DSA Glass, Dedon, Folly, Glassbox Philippines, Kenneth Cobonpue, Molteni & C, Novacolor, Poltrauna Frau, Roda, Scavolini, Topciment
Lead Architects: Pearl Robles Alfonso, Adrian Alfonso
Structural Consultants: DCH Reyes Structural Design Consultancy
Mechanical Consultants: AirconEx Philippines
Electrical Consultants: Macro-Edge Techno-Solutions, Inc.
Lighting Designers: Drew Li and Green Group Inc.
Project Designers: Trish Sampol, Kerby Barcenas, Miguel de Lara, Janella Divinagracia
Civil Works Contractor: Wilmar Olazo
Finishing Contractors: Aqius Construction Inc.
City: Calatagan
Country: Philippines
163
views
Minimalist Vietnamese Home Design | Bioclimatic Tropical Villa
T3 Architects has crafted the "Bioclimatic Tropical Villa" with a dedicated commitment to sustainability tailored for tropical conditions, encompassing hot weather, heavy rains, sea winds, insects, and wildlife. Positioned amidst a partially forested site, the villa strategically resides under the trees for shade and thermal comfort, while its main facade opens to the forest's edge, offering a captivating view of the tropical garden and pool.
Exterior walls adorned with lime plaster sourced from local sand excavations contribute to a unique aesthetic, aligning with the Arugal approach for a low carbon footprint and geo-sourced materials.
The interior design adopts a deliberate minimalist approach for ease of maintenance, featuring custom cement tiles, solid wood furniture, and plywood false ceilings that infuse a Vietnamese touch and warmth into the villa.
Common areas prioritize natural ventilation through efficient ceiling fans, eschewing air conditioning to conserve energy and preserve the tropical ambiance. The two bedrooms are well-insulated, utilizing materials such as rice husk for the roof, light concrete blocks for walls, and double-glazing doors and windows to retain coolness without relying on air conditioning.
The landscaping approach prioritizes frugality, showcasing local trees and plants that demand minimal water and maintenance. This not only fosters a natural appearance but also integrates seamlessly into the broader environment. The pool system opts for salt instead of chlorine, and with a depth of 120 centimeters, it reduces equipment costs and conserves water.
The "Bioclimatic Tropical Villa" stands as a harmonious fusion of sustainable design and contemporary elegance. Nestled amid tropical landscapes, the villa not only embraces the challenges of its environment but transforms them into opportunities for innovation and thoughtful living. Beyond being a weekend retreat, it stands as a testament to the potential of low-tech, meaningful approaches in modern architecture, inviting residents to indulge in a tranquil haven that respects nature's rhythm while embodying the essence of tropical living.
Project: Bioclimatic Tropical Villa
Architects: T3 ARCHITECTS https://www.t3architects.com/
Photographs: Phu Dao https://phudaostudio.com/
Manufacturers: Daikin, Hafele, Kelvin&Lux, Malloca, Panasonic, SECOIN, Samsung, Toto
Lead Architects: Charles Gallavardin, Tereza Gallavardin, Rafael Lira
Contractor: Harmonie
MEP: Harmonie
Structure Consultants: Harmonie
Design Team: Guillermo Banderas, Hai Ta Quang, Dat Nguyen
Interior Design: Kieu Chinh Nguyen, Huy Nguyen
Location: Hồ Tràm, Vietnam
22
views