my design fix

The Desert House – Marmol Radziner

This post will be the first of many on a particular interest of mine – pre-fabricated and modular houses.

Architects statement:

The Desert House is located on a five-acre site in Desert Hot Springs, California. The house is oriented to best capture views of San Jacinto peak and the surrounding mountains. The house extends through the landscape with additional, covered outdoor living areas, which double the 185 square metre interior spaces. A detached prefab carport allows the owners to leave the car behind as they approach their home.

Designed for principal Leo Marmol and his wife Alisa Becket, the Desert House was completed in 2005 and is the prototype for Marmol Radziner Prefab. The Desert House employs four house modules and six deck modules, a quantity chosen to suit the wide desert landscape. The climate inspired us to create covered outdoor living areas, and we developed sunshade modules to provide solar protection. Sheltered living spaces blend indoors with outdoors, simultaneously extending and connecting the house to the north wing, which holds a guest house and studio space. By forming an “L,” the home also establishes a protected, exterior environment that includes a pool and fire pit.

The Desert House derives 100% of its power from solar panels, while sunshades on the south and west facades minimize the impact of the harsh summer sun. In colder months, concrete floors provide passive solar heat gain, helping us to make the home sustainable. – Marmol Radziner

To visit the Marmol Radziner Prefab website click here.

 the fabrication process in the factory

transporting the modules to site

preparing to lift the modules in to place

Images via Crosby Doe Associates website. To view more click here.