THUNDERBIRD RESIDENCE

Site and Residence

Rancho Mirage, California

This project became about “turning the house around.”  The panoramic view being on the street side, it was required to have the street-side view straight ahead when walking in the front door.  It was also desirable to have the pool over the view, which meant the pool would be on the street.  It was also necessary to maintain the steepness of the site, since the view would be better with the building pad higher up.  The solution was to place the main entrance at the rear of the site, with the long driveway running alongside the 4000 square foot house to a rear motor court.  The creation of a promontory-like pool deck over the view allows for views from virtually every room in the house and the desired privacy for the pool, which is totally shielded from the street below.