MACMILLAN RESIDENCE
This house in the San Jacinto Mountains echoes the subtle beauty of its desert location while accentuating the stunning views of the surrounding Coachella Valley. Built for a retired couple with grown children and an extensive art collection, the house is perched on a stone plinth cut from the rocky terrain. Its low profile and strong horizontal rooflines establish its pedigree as a descendant of the mid-century desert modern houses that were spawned in nearby Palm Springs.
The house is into three main wings - the master suite, main living and guest bedroom wings - each of which is defined by a giant roof plane that folds down to form a side wall, establishing privacy among them. The fascias and walls of these folding planes are bronze, and the house is also united by a continuous bronze roof band that runs around the perimeter.
In the grand main space, defined by the largest of the folded planes, are the main living, dining and kitchen spaces. Floating in this oversized main space is a tilted gold leaf cone within which is a private sitting area. The cone pierces through a circular skylight, allowing natural light to spill inside and around the cone.
In all three wings glass corners offer unobstructed panoramic valley views. Oversized glass doors slide open and terrazzo floors spill out past them, creating a generous terrace that runs the length of the building and is sheltered by deep roof overhangs. A glass-edged infinity pool anchors the terrace and defines the horizon line.
The house harmonizes with its habitat through an abundant use of local stone.
The house is into three main wings - the master suite, main living and guest bedroom wings - each of which is defined by a giant roof plane that folds down to form a side wall, establishing privacy among them. The fascias and walls of these folding planes are bronze, and the house is also united by a continuous bronze roof band that runs around the perimeter.
In the grand main space, defined by the largest of the folded planes, are the main living, dining and kitchen spaces. Floating in this oversized main space is a tilted gold leaf cone within which is a private sitting area. The cone pierces through a circular skylight, allowing natural light to spill inside and around the cone.
In all three wings glass corners offer unobstructed panoramic valley views. Oversized glass doors slide open and terrazzo floors spill out past them, creating a generous terrace that runs the length of the building and is sheltered by deep roof overhangs. A glass-edged infinity pool anchors the terrace and defines the horizon line.
The house harmonizes with its habitat through an abundant use of local stone.
