FiddleNeck

Landscape, Residence and Interiors

Palm Desert, California

The original 1979 house had been cluttered by a floor plan that seemed oddly disconnected from the clear spans offered by the exposed wood beam structure and spare walls of the exterior façade.  The exposed wood, the possibility of uninterrupted spaces, and the opportunity for large glass panels onto the pool deck served as the inspiration for the new 5000 square foot loft-like concept with minimal interior partitions.  Interior volumes were refined by the addition of a variety of soffit conditions on the ground floor.  An open steel stair railing leads to a loft office and gym space on the second floor, from which sliding door panels permit access to bedrooms.  Walled by dunes and distressed wood gates, the architecture creates a private enclosure for the swimming pool and lush desert planting, supported by water-saving underground irrigation and a solar electric generating system.  

The variety of intimate spaces within the larger open concept emphasizes the play of scale and multidimensionality of the home.  The palette of wood, metals, and leather used in the furnishings relates back to the tones and textures of the building.  A variety of lighting and pendant elements call attention to the dynamic ceiling volume.