High Desert House by Ryan Leidner Architecture

Set against the raw expanse of Joshua Tree, High Desert House by Ryan Leidner Architecture is a thoughtful response to its environment, providing painter Heather Day and creative director Chase McBride a space that nurtures both their art and daily life.

Designed to balance the ruggedness of the surrounding landscape with the couple’s desire for simplicity, High Desert House integrates seamlessly into its desert setting. The compact form and exposed-beam structure nod to mid-century principles, while the clean lines and thoughtful restraint draw inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian modernism. “We felt the need to respect the landscape with a design that maintained a compact footprint while still enjoying a sense of expansiveness,” says Ryan Leidner.

The house is constructed with wood framing and plaster stucco, materials chosen for their durability against the harsh desert climate.

The design draws heavily from the stark beauty of the desert itself. Large windows frame views of the endless horizon, allowing shifting light to animate the interiors throughout the day. An open-plan living area transitions fluidly onto a deck, extending the interior into the vast outdoors. This design blurs the boundaries between shelter and wilderness, aligning with the couple’s vision of a home that both grounds and liberates.

The house is constructed with wood framing and plaster stucco, materials chosen for their durability against the harsh desert climate. A white exterior contrasts against the muted tones of the landscape, ensuring the structure stands out without overpowering its surroundings. “We initially explored a neutral tone for the exterior plaster to blend with the landscape but realised that a stronger contrast highlighted the architecture and surroundings better,” Leidner reflects.

A sense of calm pervades the home, facilitated by a minimalist approach to furnishings and decor.

Inside, the emphasis is on flexibility and natural light. The studio provides Heather with ample space to paint, with expansive walls and sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. This is complemented by more intimate areas, balancing shared and private spaces that support both Heather and Chase’s creative pursuits.

A sense of calm pervades the home, facilitated by a minimalist approach to furnishings and decor. The use of natural materials, from the raw timber beams to the concrete floors, grounds the space in its environment, allowing the inhabitants and their artworks to become the true focal points. Each element, carefully chosen, underscores the intention to create a dwelling that is both functional and poetic.

Each element, carefully chosen, underscores the intention to create a dwelling that is both functional and poetic.

Ultimately, High Desert House is not just a shelter but a space for contemplation and creation, where the lines between art, life and landscape are thoughtfully blurred. For Heather and Chase, it is a place that offers both sanctuary and inspiration – a home that reflects their journey as creatives, embracing both the serenity and challenge of their unique surroundings.

Architecture by Ryan Leidner Architecture.