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Project posted by Hidesertgirl

Modern Jewel in the Desert

View 18 Photos
Location
Joshua Tree, California
Year
1979
Structure
House (Multi Residence)
Style
Modern
Enclosed inner patio showing corrugated shade structures with dropped wood panels that provide cool shade.
Enclosed inner patio showing corrugated shade structures with dropped wood panels that provide cool shade.
This is what the original building looked like when first purchased.
This is what the original building looked like when first purchased.
Photo showing front of building with dirt removed from front of building for future block wall. This block wall will make the building seem taller than the one story it is now.
Photo showing front of building with dirt removed from front of building for future block wall. This block wall will make the building seem taller than the one story it is now.
Building with block wall added.
Building with block wall added.
Decorative block wall forms a storage room
Decorative block wall forms a storage room
Enclosed patio showing the degrees of light
Enclosed patio showing the degrees of light
Decorative metal/wood structure defines the entry.
Decorative metal/wood structure defines the entry.
What once was a carport is now an indoor pool.
What once was a carport is now an indoor pool.
Carport was framed in to house the indoor pool.
Carport was framed in to house the indoor pool.
Sunken conversation/fire pit area was made from recycled concrete from the carport slab.
Sunken conversation/fire pit area was made from recycled concrete from the carport slab.
All the concrete rubble from the carport was used to make the sunken seating
All the concrete rubble from the carport was used to make the sunken seating
Metal formwork for the curved seating area. The metal rusted by the rain.
Metal formwork for the curved seating area. The metal rusted by the rain.
Custom marine grade plywood cabinets and cantilevered desk.
Custom marine grade plywood cabinets and cantilevered desk.
Living Room in the guest suite. Modernica sofa.
Living Room in the guest suite. Modernica sofa.
Guest Kitchen has Gaggenau cooktop, Han Grohe faucet with Stainless steel Kohler sink.
Guest Kitchen has Gaggenau cooktop, Han Grohe faucet with Stainless steel Kohler sink.
Accent wall in Guest Bathroom is actually cardboard. Sanford found this on the internet, pattern is glued in place, caulked and painted. Withstands the environment in the bathroom very well.
Accent wall in Guest Bathroom is actually cardboard. Sanford found this on the internet, pattern is glued in place, caulked and painted. Withstands the environment in the bathroom very well.
Cardboard tiles are a really inexpensive way to tile a wall for maximum effect and hardly any cost.
Cardboard tiles are a really inexpensive way to tile a wall for maximum effect and hardly any cost.

Details

Square Feet
1800
Lot Size
40,000
Bedrooms
1
Full Baths
2
Partial Baths
1

Credits

Posted by
Interior Design
Sanford Ponder
Alanna Ponder
Landscape Design
Sanford Ponder
Photographer
Victor Leung

From Hidesertgirl

This modern jewel in Joshua Tree had it’s beginnings as a woebegone duplex found in foreclosure. Sanford Ponder was looking for a facility which would serve both as his healing retreat as well as be able to offer a separate Airbnb unit for guests and clients. His desire was to design with affordable materials which would withstand the desert extremes as well as age gracefully with time.

Decorative block walls have been added which offer contrasting perforations and protruding details giving both privacy and light. Custom metal framed shade structures utilize corrugated metal with custom wood panels on the ceiling. The wood panels serve both to block the desert heat coming off the corrugated metal, and to soften the space below.

Much of the material produced during demolition was recycled. A lot of wood studs were reused and all the concrete slab from the walkways and carport was broken top for use in retaining walls. There was quite a lot of landscaping work done.

Additions to the basic gutting and remodel of the original apartments include a unique therapy pool nestled into what used to be the carport and a semi sunken treatment room added onto the clinic area. There are also 2 outbuildings, one a simple block storage room, the other a small office set back behind the juicing kitchen. There is a large setup in fire pit area providing a great place to gather and relax.

Sanford designed the cabinets and much of the furniture. Particular attention was paid to the hardware and fixtures. The interiors have clean simple lines which makes this place comfortable, serene and enduring for years to come.

For more information on Sanford's work visit flojt.me
To reserve this place thru Airbnb go to www.airbnb.com/roo...