Located near the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, Alta Mesa House emerges boldly from its surrounding desert landscape, yet modest in its presence. Responding to site and climate, the layout is elongated on the east/west axis and oriented with generous overhangs for controlling sun penetration. Materials are designed to patina over time, reacting gracefully to climate conditions, and evolving as part of the desert ecosystem.

Two bedrooms are raised over the ground plane to capture long views to the mountains, creating a sense of privacy and retreat. Covered outdoor spaces, shaded with perforated steel panels, create intriguing shadow effects and extend the living room and lounge areas into the open air.