A family’s getaway in the California desert includes a spa-like main bath with a large soaking tub that connects to an outdoor shower.

The Zartan Raw chair by Philippe Starck for Magis made from non-toxic wood pulp that can be molded the same way as plastic.

Starck Organic Faucet by Philippe Starck for Axor by Hansgrohe Chrome is given a softer look in this streamlined fixture, which integrates handles into the faucet body.

Juicy Salif Lemon Squeezer -- Alessi (1990) Likely the only juicer displayed at MOMA, Starck’s aluminum tripod design could be mistaken for a streamlined alien invader from a ‘50s pulp comic. He’s rumored to have said: "It's not meant to squeeze lemons, it is meant to start conversations."

Good Goods Catalogue -- La Redoute (1996) Starck’s sense of humor and ecological passion come through in this catalog of “non-products for non-consumers in tomorrow's moral market,” both an environmental message and an about face from some of his more over-the-top projects. Witness the “Starck Naked” Starck roll-on dress.

Zik Headphones -- Parrot (2012) Audiophiles appreciate the sound quality and intuitive, motion-sensitive commands -- swipe the right earcup to increase the volume, take of the headphones and the music pauses-- built into this high-end headphones. Design fans will be equally engrossed with the generous curves and shapely form in Starck’s creation.

Dr. No Chair -- Kartell (1996) Starck recast the club chair with this playful design, a wrap-around of colorful, injection-molded plastic.

Philippe Starck with his MyWorld system. Photo provided by Cassina.

Airway swing by Philippe Starck for Kartell

Philippe Starck’s outdoor chairs for Kartell provide cozy fireside seating. These and the sofa version were selected by Salmela. “They’re very much an art form,” he says.

The no-frills-necessary MyWorld armchair. Photo provided by Cassina.

Boxinbox by Philippe Starck for Glas Italia This brightly tinted series combines storage and display in rectilinear showcases that recall artist Donald Judd’s work.

The Generic chairs by Philippe Starck for Kartell were designed to suit a range of commercial applications, from offices to restaurants.

The concealed charging station slides out easily. Photo provided by Cassina.

The low screen blocks outside distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in relaxation or work. Photo provided by Cassina.

Mademoiselle Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell in Burnt Tones Velvey fabric, by Rosita Missoni for Missoni.

Designer Philippe Starck's gold rendition of his Masters Chair for Kartell. See it at Salone, booth Pavilion 20, Stand A15/B14.

The W.W. Stool by Philippe Starck.

Louis Ghost Chair -- Kartell (2002) This iconic seat shows Starck playing with form and material, recasting the royal Louis XV chair concept with translucent, injection-molded polycarbonate. More than a million of these chairs have been sold.

Tweak, another kitty, sits at the brass-clad kitchen island on a Ghost stool by Philippe Starck.

Masters Chair designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell.

A dramatic departure from your typical cabin on the lake, this unique retreat adds shades of black to a tiny island awash with local color. A modern brick outdoor fireplace, tall and slim, is flanked by Philippe Starck’s outdoor chairs for Kartell for cozy fireside seating.

In Guang’s office, Chen designed a lacquered desk to join the Philippe Starck chair, Louis Poulsen desk lamp, and Chinese folk "drum stools."

Rayn sofa by Philippe Starck for Dedon, from $6,500 The exuberant French designer may have been inspired by Surrealism, but his plush modular sofa is a practical choice for a covered terrace.

Abbracciaio Candleholder by Philippe Starck with Ambroise Maggiar for Kartell, $225 9.5" H x 8" W x 4" D Made of cast aluminum, this undersized candle apparatus holds two tapers. From one angle, we see rockets; from another, two figures embracing. Select the darkest of the three metal finishes to tone down the postmodern effect. kartell.com

Juicy Salif juicer designed by Philippe Starck in 1990.

The new, ecologically minded P.A.T.H. prefab prototype—designed by French designer Philippe Starck in tandem with the Slovenian prefab homebuilder Riko—was recently built for the first time at a test site in Montfort l’Amaury near Paris.

The living room is furnished with pieces by some of the greatest names in vintage design, such as Hans Wegner, Eero Saarinen and Charlotte Perriand, and also more recent pieces from the 1900s by Philippe Starck, among others.

The architectural tour de force of the home, according to Riko CEO Janez Skrabec, is the cornice-shaped roof, built from a series of light fiberglass modules that can be disassembled, recycled, reshaped, or reused. In addition to conceling elements such as the wind turbine from view, it also functions as a green roof. “The hollow 'sinks' of the cornice act as flowerpots and are able to host plants, which can be watered with the help of rainwater collection systems," says Skrabec. “Furthermore, the large arches of the roof provide shelter and cast additional shade on the rooms below, combining a number of benefits in a single solution."

“P.A.T.H. is a positive energy house, which produces 50% more energy than it consumes,” says Starck, referring to numerous features that can be added to any model, such as wind turbines and solar cells. ”The positive energy can be sent back to the local electric grid.”

The P.A.T.H. system isn’t just another glass box. Customization technology at the Riko factory allows potential homeowners to choose from 34 variations on a theme, with alternating sizes (roughly 1,500-3,800 square feet), sides (wooden walls to an all-glass shell) and shapes (cornice, flat, or pitched roof). The price per square meter (upwards of $530 per square foot) certainly isn’t inconsequential, but as Starck says, “It’s not [just] about better design, it’s all about better quality.”

On the desk in the master bedroom, two Philippe Starck fly swatters sit aside a Tolomeo lamp from Artemide.

The Axor Starck V by Starck Network for Hansgrohe. The reason this glass faucet is extraordinary and deserves an award is clear (see what we did there?) but we’ll go into it anyway. For one thing, the faucet head detaches from the base to drain excess liquid. Secondly the entire faucet swings from side to side, adjusting for the user’s stance. Philippe, you win again.

Starck says that Riko’s experience in prefabrication played an important role in the design and layout of the home system. “The prefabrication process, based on laser-cut technology, allows a surgical precision,” he says. “Riko’s expertise enables us to minimize the risks and bad surprises." In the design, the electrical system is hidden behind wooden panels.

“With P.A.T.H., I wanted to provide the community with the best product, in terms of quality, technology and durability,” says Starck. “Durability and the notion of heritage, which were almost taboos in the ‘70s and ‘80s, are essential today.”