2023 Europe & ROW Look Book - Flipbook - Page 9
ARCHITECTURE
WI LL A LWAYS BE A PA RT O F T H E BAC K D RO P
Free thinkers move differently. For a few, circumstance and
attitude combine in a volatile meld of chance and focus to forge
reality from the wildest dreams. And so while the Coachella region
is renowned for its arid rift valley beauty and vibrant perennial
music scenes, there also exists a uniquely visionary perspective.
Those in tune with this particular call will instinctively know there
is symphony beyond the binary. That the metropolitan grid gives
way to boundless opportunity once egress is achieved.
In a real world execution of this metaphor, Highway 74 moves
tentatively west from Palm Desert, climbing steeply towards the
San Jacinto summits. Dull at first, in deference to its valley floor
tributaries, this arterial route soon begins to shine. Exuberant
loops and capricious hair pins helter-skelter frivolously into the
hills, cranking up the freedom dial at every turn. Soon the fussed
over boundary of suburban foliage recedes, replaced by a lunar
rockscape interspersed with only the most resilient flora. Irrigated
false greens concede to the reassuringly honest palette of the
mountain’s heart and a sense of well being swells within. The
heat and hustle fade and coolness and freedom prevail.
As evening approaches, somewhere near where bighorn sheep
assert their confidence and snow has been known to fall, a
sudden departure from Highway 74 jolts the uninitiated into
a reverent state of renewed awareness. A graded track teases
with unknown promise, winding across a plateau before revealing
this well kept secret. The final rise in the trail reveals a laudable
profile construed of passion, craft and dreams combined.
A silhouetted jutting slab, glowing from within, simultaneously
at odds and at one with its timeless surroundings.
Intrepid as they are creative, the appointed architectural firm Aidlin
Darling Design, did not shy from their responsibility when charged
6
with realising their clients dream of an inspired desert hideaway.
Embracing the unique energy of this previously undeveloped
private locale they camped in situ, watching attentively as noon’s
one dimensional glare yielded a velour cocktail of mauves and
fuchsia muddled with lengthening shadows and refreshing
transient winds.
Allowing these elements to shape the style, position and
execution of their clients aspiration and with considered input
from the expectant owners, the build began. Personal touches
and the careful preservation of ancient pinyon pines dictated
the placement of multiple indoor and outdoor dwelling facets
grouped beneath a singular roof. Glazed floor to ceiling, the
final assembly overhangs a spectacular pool that facilitates an
evaporation based cooling microclimate.
Inspired by the ancient lightning cleft pine at the properties
threshold, cladding darkened following the Japanese technique
of shou sugi ban wraps the home. Flanked by imposing concrete
facades, daylight proffers a fortification as impenetrable as the
environment in which it sits. But as the moon beguiles from the
east this citadel relents.
Effortlessly stowed, its glazed armour relinquishes a welcoming
haven to evenings calm caress. A gentle, cool touch that relaxes
throughout the murmur of a sunset gathering and lingers to
inspire breakfast introspection.
Chasing it’s nocturnal ally, a new sun dictates the geometry of
the building is once again restored to deflect midday extremes
and safeguard the verve within. Artfully combined, tangible and
fleeting panels of wood, concrete, glass and shade move with the
days arcing heat to patiently preserve the proud dreamers who
dared imagine this monument to privacy and impeccable taste.
7