Tag Archives: high desert architecture

High Desert Tour – evening

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Though not officially on the PS ModCom High Desert tour, I found this cube house by the students of Samuel Mockbee’s Auburn University Rural Studio very interesting.  Also please note it is clad in rusting metal!  There must be something in the air up here!

After a few quick snapshots, I continued on my way to the Mohave Sands Motel for a much needed adult beverage.

Built in 1949, owner Blake Simpson completely renovated the motel and reopened it in 2010.  It appears Blake is adept with a welder!  New door and window frames are custom-fabricated in steel.

Crisp metal detailing appears everywhere – from the caps of stucco walls to landscape edge detailing that keeps the desert at bay.  The repurposed grating also works well as a shower screen in the private outdoor bathing courtyard.

If it’s a soak you’re after, a recycled tub a great way to relax while vintage vinyl is spinning an Hawaiian serenade.

 

High Desert Tour – later morning

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Nestled among the sculptural rocks of Yucca Valley’s Rock Reach Ranch, was the second house I visited on PS Mod Com’s High Desert Tour 2012.  Another stunning view framed by another über cool home from Blue Sky Homes.

Hovering over a small arroyo, this 2 bedroom home, embodies all the hallmarks of Blue Sky Homes – a gentle footprint in the landscape, stylish, while being nearly wholly recyclable.

We continued up to Landers.  Kate Pierson from the B-52′s has moved her Lazy Meadow from upstate New York to the high desert and rechristened it, Kate’s Lazy Desert.  A glistening mirage of polished Airstream trailers circle the sandy high ground like latter day Conestoga wagons – but with a modern twist, this ring sports a splash pool!

 

 

 

High Desert Tour – early morning

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From Pioneertown to Yucca Valley to Landers on to Joshua Tree – here’s a collection of what I saw while docenting for PS Mod Com’s High Desert Tour 2012 in Southern California’s eastern Mojave Desert.

First stop was La Haut Desert Aerie.  Nestled in desert landscape is a hand-hewn home with a collection of hand-painted ceilings – some in the North African Berber style and hand-stamped walls reminiscent of Moroccan zillij.  The floors are a brilliant kaleidoscope of colorful tiles.