Three simple volumes hover above the desert, responding to the challenges of a sloping site and to an ethic of building with minimal disruption to the natural environment. The available build area was bifurcated by a minor drainage-way, which inspired the architects to leave the cars behind and link the parking area to the main house by a bridge that allows rainwater and wildlife to flow beneath it.
Cantilevered concrete slabs enabled the house to run perpendicular to the topography for optimal solar exposure, for cross-ventilation, and to frame views. Meanwhile, the underside provides shady refuge for desert animals.