PALM SPRINGS HIDEAWAY
A SWIMMER'S PARADISE
Designed for this architect's own family, this Palm Springs property is tucked away down a long, private driveway in the popular Movie Colony East neighborhood A play pool and 25-yard lap pool wrap the house on two sides, bringing a play of light reflections from the water into the living spaces, and concrete planters framing the view in green. A walled courtyard at the entrance manages the complicated transition from driveway to formal entry, with a bubbling fountain setting the tone for the peaceful interior to come.
Smooth white stucco walls and soffits taper back to frame deeply-recessed glass. opening up nearly every living space to an outdoor terrace or garden for seamless access to the clear desert air, light, mountain views and garden while providing protection from the intense sun of Palm Springs. Burned-wood siding (shou sugi ban) provides a counterpoint to the smooth, white stucco and emphasizes the sculptural form and the deeply-recessed window walls. The interior is scattered with bold patterns and textures in cement tiles, plaster panels, energetic wallpapers, textiles, and precious objects gathered over the ten years living abroad.
Photography: Lara Swimmer
Builder: Palm Pacific Construction