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Salton Sea House
Sited in an arid desert climate south of Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea House is meant to serve as a backdrop for a permeable, arts focused community. Like many creative enclaves, homes and structures on the Salton Sea are often left open, and repurposed for events, chance interactions, and art exhibitions. The client's brief expressed a desire for openness to the landscape beyond, reduced construction and upkeep costs, as well as a focus on breathable biogenic materials. The exterior walls feature hempcrete, a breathable combination of hemp shiv and lime that hardens over time as it draws CO₂ out of the atmosphere. The capillary structures of the hemp shiv effectively transfer moisture through the wall assembly, resulting in comfortable interior temperatures and reduced utility demands. The home's roof places several sculptural skylights, allowing the client to sleep or bathe beneath the stars and moon, appreciating the region's unobstructed desert skies and dramatic sunsets.