the black desert house by marc atlan + oller & pejic

the black desert house by marc atlan + oller & pejic
photo © marc angeles, 2013
all images courtesy of the black desert house / marc atlan design

designed by renowned creative director marc atlan, alongside architecture office oller & pejic, ‘the black desert house’ offers expansive vistas across joshua tree national park in california. the low-profile dwelling forms a desirable and distinctive desert retreat, providing constantly changing panoramas of color, light and shade.

centered around a external courtyard, the kitchen and dining areas become the focal point of the project’s interior, before a deeply tiered stairway leads to a sunken living room where soaring panes of glass frame views of the impressive terrain. throughout the residence black walls, midnight quartz, high-gloss anthracite and darkened steel form the backdrop for the carefully selected use of color.

the low-profile structure is set amid outcrops of prehistoric boulders
photo © marc angeles, 2013

at the south-eastern corner of the plot, the home’s three bedrooms open out onto an angled black-tiled pool, where the adjoining patio is sheltered between the house and a boulder formation. at night the rocks can be gently illuminated from below.

despite being located only thirty minutes from palm springs, the serene and mystical atmosphere allows occupants and guests to feel as if they are completely detached from the rigors of modern day life. ‘the black desert house’ is currently available for professional location rentals, such as fashion and editorial photo shoots, advertising campaigns and TV and film production.

the approach to the desert retreat
photo © marc angeles, 2013