This house is located in the ojave desert and features some sustainable touches and maximal comfort.
The Arroyo House is located just outside Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert. It’s a low-lying concrete residence wrapped in weathering steel, for an active couple who hope to remain in the desert home as they age.
The 3,875-square-foot (360-square-metre) dwelling was built on a sloped site near a natural wash, called an arroyo, that’s why it got such a name. The home consists of two rectilinear volumes connected by a deck. One volume is long and horizontal and serves as the main dwelling. The other form, which rises two levels, is more compact. It contains a garage at ground level and guest accommodation up above.
The main portion of the dwelling contains a generous master suite and an open-plan area for cooking, dining, and lounging. Large windows and sliding glass doors usher in ample daylight while affording sweeping views of the arid landscape. While the clients’ decor is eclectic, the team used a restrained palette of colors and materials for interior finishes. Polished concrete floors are paired with bright white walls and ceilings. Light-hued wood cabinetry and stainless steel appliances define the kitchen. In the bathroom, stone tiles evoke the desert terrain that surrounds the home.
One of the primary concerns for the architects was to create a dwelling in which the clients could grow old. In response, the team placed all living spaces on the same level, with the exception of the garage. A driveway connects the upper level to the garage, enabling the clients to drop off their groceries before parking their car down below. The team also incorporated features such as grab bars and a roll-in shower in the bathroom.
Sustainability was also considered during the project. Eco-friendly features include low-flow plumbing fixtures, non-toxic paint, and an in-slab radiant system for heating and cooling. The couple also intends to install a photovoltaic array, with hopes of generating more energy than the home consumes.
