Chino Canyon

Palm Springs, CA, United States

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Pond Ave

Chino Canyon

Palm Springs, CA, United States

Firm

Hundred Mile House

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2016

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$100K - 500K

This project involved a major renovation and addition to an existing home. The original 1100 SF structure was built in 1954, with a 400 SF addition built in the 1970’s. It’s original post-and-beam construction and a wall of custom wood windows are more reminiscent of Cliff May’s iconic Rancho homes than of the more popular Alexander and Miselman homes built during the same period in Palm Springs. The attention to architectural details – for example, subtle angled faces on the front window structural columns – suggests the involvement of an architect, but to date no information has been found on the original designer.

The home sits on the northern edge of Palm Springs at the base of the 8700 foot-high San Jacinto mountain. With breathtaking views of the mountains on all sides of the Coachella valley, and of the mesa leading up the mountain, a primary goal with the project was to open up the interior to the desert landscape and views. We wanted to maintain the unique character of this original structure while upgrading the home to be more energy efficient and provide additional space and conveniences suitable as a full-time family home (an upgrade from the vacation home that it was).

The final program involved saving the original structure, removing the addition, and increasing the total square footage to 2250 SF. The final floor plan includes an open living/dining/kitchen area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry, storage, and a carport. We opened up the original structure to be a single large public area, while the addition contains the private areas. Inspired by the origin of the classic ranch houses of the area, we created an L-shape footprint that wraps around an entry courtyard. Every room has double doors that open onto private outdoor spaces, and the master ensuite has a private outdoor shower courtyard. A new pool and patio off the main living area helps o connect inside to outside while also being perfectly sited to work with the sun throughout the day.

The overall aesthetic could be described as “modern desert cabin”. The material palette is inspired by the desert – raw, harsh, but minimal. Rusted steel fencing and courtyard walls compliment a crisp desert-colored stucco, while the dark wood windows mirror the rusted steel color and add warmth and sophistication. The interior finishes are equally as minimal. Sealed concrete floors paired with natural douglas fir beams and ceiling.

The siting of the house takes advantage of the sun and the desert location. A south-facing roof plane is home to solar panels that provide 100% of the home’s electricity. Deep eaves and larger windows primarily facing north keep direct sun out and the home cool in the hotter months.