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Project Name

M20

Firm:

Awards Category

Unbuilt Architecture

Citation

Project Summary

M20 is a private residence designed as a tranquil retreat within The Summit Club, a wellness-centered community in the Nevada desert. M20 takes full advantage of panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley and foothills while offering privacy and connection to nature. The program centers on a split rectangular mass that forms a central courtyard, allowing natural light, airflow, and direct access to the outdoors from each space. Flexible, multi-purpose rooms and integrated storage enhance functionality, keeping the home’s footprint minimal and efficient. The interior balances simplicity with a curated collection of artwork, creating a clean, artful environment that supports well-being and mindful living. The residence features a sandy-toned limestone façade, COR-TEN steel inspired by the adjacent Red Rock Canyon, and polished concrete flooring, blending the structure seamlessly with its surroundings. Passive design elements—such as deep overhangs, operable windows, and natural ventilation—reduce reliance on artificial lighting and cooling, creating a space that is as environmentally conscious as it is visually striking. M20’s design reflects a commitment to sustainability, well-being, and a harmonious integration with the Nevada landscape, embodying both a sanctuary and a testament to thoughtful desert architecture.

Project Narrative

Perched above the Las Vegas Valley, M20 stands as a secluded desert sanctuary, offering sweeping views of the Valley and its rugged foothills including Red Rock Canyon. Sculptural yet grounded, M20 merges effortlessly with the arid landscape, embodying the balance between striking form and ecological sensitivity. Conceived as a retreat that honors both the environment and the art of simple living, M20 is a refined statement in modern desert architecture. M20’s form began as a rectangular mass, which was split and rotated to create a central courtyard—a serene space that anchors the home and allows each room direct access to natural light, airflow, and views of the desert. This courtyard serves as more than a spatial divider; it is a portal to the landscape, inviting the desert to flow through the home and reinforcing a continuous relationship between indoors and out. Every architectural detail supports this connection, with long, low rooflines that echo the desert plateaus and exaggerated overhangs providing ample shade. Deep-set, chamfered windows mimic Red Rocks slot canyons, framing dynamic views of the landscape while protecting interiors from the intense desert sun. Inside, M20 is a study in spatial efficiency, where every square foot is carefully considered. Flexible, multi-functional spaces allow for a minimalist footprint that maximizes usability while embracing simplicity. Hidden storage and cleverly integrated built-ins reduce clutter, enhancing the clean aesthetic and allowing the home’s curated art collection and framed views to take center stage. The restrained material palette—sandy-toned limestone, COR-TEN steel with hues inspired by the Red Rock Canyon, polished concrete, and natural FSC wood—reflects the desert surroundings and creates a calming, tactile environment that invites touch and exploration. Passive design strategies are at the heart of M20’s sustainability. The building’s orientation and fenestrations are optimized for daylighting and natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. The operable windows enable a natural flow of air, creating comfortable interiors with minimal reliance on energy. By day, natural light filters through every space, while at night, energy-efficient fixtures offer a gentle glow that complements the serene desert landscape. The home’s battered walls, transitioning seamlessly from exterior to interior, establish a sense of movement, compressing and expanding spatial perception in a way that evokes the sculptural beauty of the surrounding terrain. Rooted in The Summit Club, a wellness-centered community, M20 aligns with a holistic vision of living that values wellness, environmental stewardship, and resilience. Each detail speaks to a harmony between architecture, landscape, and lifestyle, transforming M20 from a mere residence into an immersive experience. Through its thoughtful integration of design and ecology, M20 exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable, desert living, setting a new standard for residential architecture that honors its natural context while providing an elevated, artful retreat.

Sustainable Design & Materials

M20’s design exemplifies resilience, efficiency, and harmony with the desert landscape, aligning with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Passive solar orientation, deep overhangs, and high-performance glazing reduce artificial cooling needs, while operable windows support natural ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort with minimal energy use. The material palette of locally sourced limestone, COR-TEN steel, and polished concrete reflects Red Rock Canyon’s natural hues, embedding M20 within its surroundings and reducing embodied carbon. Interior finishes prioritize wellness, using low-VOC, chemical-free materials to improve indoor air quality. Water conservation shapes the landscape, with native plants and xeriscaping that support biodiversity and minimize water use. M20’s location provides access to walkable trails and amenities, fostering a holistic environment that encourages wellness and sustainable living. Through thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and low-impact landscaping, M20 honors the desert ecosystem, setting a new standard for high-performance, wellness-driven residential architecture.

Project Stats

Square Feet

10000

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

Project Location

Smt Clb Dr, Summerlin South, NV, USA

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