The Landing House: A Modern Desert Oasis in Joshua Tree
Explore The Landing House, a modern architectural gem in Joshua Tree’s Mojave Desert, designed in 2023 by Industry of All Nations.
This house seamlessly merges with its rugged surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and tranquility. Just 130 miles from Los Angeles, it’s a peaceful retreat where eco-friendly design and natural beauty coexist in harmony.
About The Landing House
Sustainable Design at The Landing House
Industry of All Nations (IOAN) leads the creation of The Landing House, a modern pavilion in the Mojave Desert. This structure, set against the stunning backdrop of California’s Joshua Tree National Park, epitomizes sustainable design. Located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles, The Landing House integrates seamlessly with its desert environment, echoing its textures and colors.
Fernando Gerscovich, a Buenos Aires-born architect, along with his brothers, designed The Landing House. Their aim? To create a comfortable human habitat that respects the delicate desert ecosystem. “We focused on a design that blends with the surrounding plants and geography,” Fernando explains.
A Vision Realized in the Desert
In 2019, the Gerscovich brothers discovered the region’s unique landscape and light patterns, sparking their creativity. They purchased a five-acre land parcel (20,234 square meters), envisioning The Landing House as a retreat integrated into the untouched desert. The land, rich with Joshua trees and natural boulder formations, inspired a design reminiscent of a fallen branch, starting with a low-profile height of 9 feet (2.74 meters).
“We chose simple, low-maintenance materials like concrete, cedar, and glass,” says Fernando. “These materials will age gracefully, blending into the environment.”
Creating a Desert Sanctuary
The Landing House serves as a private and tranquil retreat, now available as a vacation rental. A 400-yard (365.76 meters) private road winds to a 9-foot-high (2.74 meters) wall, concealing the house amidst Joshua trees. Upon entering, guests find themselves in a breezeway landing that divides the house into two volumes, each offering spectacular views of the Mojave Desert.
Fernando shares, “Dividing the house encourages guests to connect with the surrounding natural beauty.”
Inside, The Landing House balances natural materials with modern amenities. It features two bedroom suites connected by a breezeway landing. One suite leads to the main living area, while the other, the Pool Suite, offers private access. Cedar wall paneling, polished concrete floors, and white oak furniture adorn the interior. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame unobstructed desert views.
A concrete platform extends from the house to the plunge pool, inviting guests to soak in the desert’s vast beauty. To the right, a solar-panelled carport shelters vehicles, while to the left, a firepit nestles within a natural boulder.
Nearby, a sculptural yoga area, set against a natural rock formation, offers a serene escape. This space, framed by oxidized steel, integrates seamlessly with the landscape.
On the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, The Landing House stands as a testament to eco-sensitive design and sustainable architecture. Its design harmonizes with the environment, exemplifying peaceful coexistence with nature.
“Our vision at The Landing House emphasizes sustainable creation,” Fernando concludes. “It showcases how sustainability can beautifully enhance our lives.”
Photography by Ye Rin Mok
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- by Matt Watts
