Surrounded…
by the otherworldly landscape of the Mojave Desert, is this remarkable cedar wood and glass box, a sustainable haven designed by Los Angeles-based research and design collective, Industry of All Nations (IOAN), helmed by three Argentinian brothers.
The dwelling, known as The Landing House, is situated just minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park, occupying a five-acre lot that offers unobstructed views of a rugged and untouched environment.
It is this unique geographical location that served as a main thinking point for the architects who decided that the house should be a graceful extension of the flora, fauna and wider desert ecosystem, like a fallen branch that causes no disruption to the land and engages directly with the natural terrain.
The team…
conceived a minimalist home with a low, linear profile and an earthy material palette of concrete, cedar and glass, a combination that helps to regulate the temperature of the home and allow natural light to pour into the residence in a well-distributed manner. This robust design also promises to withstand varying weather conditions and patina beautifully over time, to become even more integrated with the canvas of the desert.
The home is surrounded by a nine-foot-high horizontal wall, which protects it from the wind, compounding the notion of shelter, privacy and safety. The concealed integrated entrance reveals an unique layout, with the house divided into two cubic blocks or wings, separated by a central, open courtyard that leads straight through to a poured concrete deck and plunge pool complete with breathtaking views of the Mojave.
Inside…
warm and earthy tones echo the landscape, creating a fluid transition between indoors and out. Much of the furniture in the living area was personally designed by the brothers and crafted from American white oak, incorporating tactile materials ranging from buttery leather to fleecy cotton and sheepskin. Accessories, lighting and appliances are sleek and modern so as not to overwhelm the space. The dining area features an iconic 1920s PH 4/3 Pendant Light by Poul Henningsen. Other key features include a Wolf range and pottery from the sustainable Californian heritage brand Heath Ceramics.
The brothers…
maximized the space with compact, slimline furniture throughout. In one of the bedrooms, a sleek oak bench and a pair of Austere-W Wall Lamps by award-winning Belgian architect, Hans Verstuyft, seamlessly merge form and fucntion. Cedar panelling is used on internal and external walls for a cozy cabin-like feel, while lightly polished concrete floors echo the stony surface of the enveloping drylands.
In one…
of the primary bedrooms, the dialogue between indoors and out continues as a long window frames a majestic cactus as form of living art.
Outside…
a sculptural landing pad for yoga continues a circular motif while underscoring the connection between the built and organic – a truly perfect place to take in nature as the desert sky performs light tricks throughout the day, switching to a blanket of stars when the sun goes down at night.
Tap the look…
Architecture & Design: Industry of All Nations (IOAN)
Project Team: Fernando Gerscovich & Juan Diego Gerscovich.
General contractor: Mano a Mano
Photography: Ye Rin Mok
