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The master bedroom’s built-in arch stands in for a headboard, while custom storage streamlines the area.

Over the course of 10 months, Louis Litrenta and Natalie Saunders built this Georgia O’Keefe–inspired vacation home, which is filled with items from their travels and elements inspired by the local landscape. The interiors have a simple material palette of plaster, microcement, and wood—which keeps the focus on the desert views. A small, open floor plan makes efficient use of space, and the bedrooms are located on either side of the residence to provide privacy.

The open-plan living, dining, and lounge space is anchored by a Georgia O’Keefe-inspired adobe fireplace. The common area enjoys views of the pool and hot tub, and the rugged mountains beyond.

“I love to sit on the top floor with the big windows and see the day change, from the early morning when the fog hits the mountaintops, to the afternoon when the birds fly by right outside,” says Kirsten Dirksen.

Dan and Jessica eventually hope to add rain barrels to capture water for use in irrigating their garden.

Olive Passive House floor plan

“We wanted to tackle the dream and challenge of designing our own house and create a space that would get us close to nature,” Alessandro says.

Above a custom table by James Harmon of Workshop Brooklyn are &Tradition Formakami pendants, which were the first fixtures Alessandro and Astrid picked out. “Everything had to go with them,” says Alessandro. “They feel like high design while still being humble.”

When he designed an energy-efficient home for his family in Olivebridge, New York, architect Alessandro Ronfini, pictured here, sized up the wooded site, positioning the residence for pond views and maximal solar heat gain in winter.

In the living room, a wood stove keeps temperatures cozy. The artwork (of the ill-fated St. Francis Dam and reservoir) is by Al Stone, as is the built-in stove platform and bench seat. The sofa is from Blu Dot, the vintage Risom Lounge Chairs from Knoll and pillows by Kiriko Made.

In the primary bathroom, the floor and wall tile is Quartziti Glacier by Satements. The Bola Sphere Suspension Lamp is by Pablo Designs.

David, Edith, and their two children use the open living room to play. Concealed storage helps them keep everything minimalist.

The top floor feels airy and open thanks to a raised ceiling that maximizes light and space. The pendant is by Tom Dixon.

For the primary bath and the one in the guest room, Yektajo made wood boxes for the showers that rise partially up the wall. “We liked the idea of having a different height for everything that’s new,” he says.