top of page
< Back

Project Name

Desert Shift

Firm:

Awards Category

Unbuilt Architecture

Project Summary

A contemporary home with desert-conscious finish and landscape selections, designed to create a varied geometric composition while engaging the desert landscape through indoor-outdoor connections. The program consists of a living room, kitchen / pantry, dining room, office, two separate two-car garages, a primary bedroom, three guest rooms, lounge, and roof deck.

Project Narrative

Located in the West side of Las Vegas, the home’s orientation and program prioritize amazing views of Red Rock Canyon to the west and the Las Vegas “Strip” to the east. The home is designed to provide privacy from the streetscape, and transition naturally into the desert landscape via an articulated façade along the north. Designed for a single family, the home provides various areas to relax, entertain, and retreat. Space planned in an expansive L-shape configuration, with the longest façade stretching east-west, the home centralizes family life in the core and separates the private spaces at its two ends. Adapting to the natural site topography, the home elevates towards the west a total of 3’ from its sunken dining space to the west wing. The eastern portion of the home features a dramatic entry, flanked by a honed masonry wall visible from both the interior and exterior. The recessed entryway and light wells at either side of the kitchen bring natural light into the living spaces while providing privacy from the streetscape. The upper levels house the primary bedroom and guest bedrooms / lounge, but are separated from one another via a rooftop walkway and gathering space. A viewing deck above the east garage features a fire pit and seating area with views towards the Vegas Strip. The primary bedroom faces east as well, taking advantage of those same views. The guest bedroom and lounge are located on the western wing. The yard, sheltered from the streetscape via the L-shape of the building, and from neighboring properties with tall shade trees, creates a private sanctuary. The kitchen and dining room open via multi-slide doors from the vertex of the home’s overall L-shape, creating a connection to the outdoor living room and kitchen. A pool follows the length of the home towards the west, terminating at an outdoor dining area with a view down the length of the pool. The exterior finishes primarily consist of sand-finish white stucco, accented with honed concrete block, weathered steel, and natural wood-inlays. The selected materials will naturally weather with time, aging gracefully along with the home’s occupants. The interior finishes consist of exposed concrete floors, natural wood millwork accents, and white walls to complement the abundant natural lighting.

Sustainable Design & Materials

The home’s east-west orientation allows for optimal solar control. With the exception of the east façade due to the dramatic views, openings are minimized on the west façade and primarily located on the north and south facades. Sun control is incorporated via horizontal overhangs on the south façade, while garages on the east and west ends of the house act as buffers for the conditioned envelope. A narrow North-South cross section allows for effective cross ventilation. An unvented, spray-insulated flat roof minimizes heat gain through the roof envelope. All HVAC ductwork for the upper levels is located with the floor assembly, minimizing energy use for air distribution. European doors and windows minimize air leakage through infiltration and create a tighter envelope through proper gasketing and air seals. Planned on a 4'x4' grid, the home takes advantage of common material sheet goods to minimize waste during construction. Additionally, advanced framing techniques utilize 24” stud spacing, insulated headers, and fewer studs at fenestration jambs, reducing the overall amount of lumber used and improving the thermal envelope’s performance.

Project Stats

Square Feet

8000

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

Project Location

Las Vegas, NV, USA

bottom of page