In the heart of the Mojave Desert, nestled against the backdrop of the rugged natural landscape of California’s Joshua Tree National Park, lies a remarkable example of sustainable architecture: The Landing House. This modern wood pavilion, designed and created by Industry of All Nations (IOAN), a research, design, and development office, stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature.
The Landing House Technical Information
- Architects: Industry of All Nations (IOAN)
- Location: Joshua Tree, California, USA
- Topics: Wood Architecture, Desert Architecture
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Ye Rin Mok
Our core vision revolves around the process of creating things in truly sustainable ways, and we are proud of The Landing House as an extension of that vision. It is a reminder to us all that sustainability can be applied in beautiful ways to all aspects of our daily lives.
– Fernando Gerscovich
The Landing House Photographs
Harmonizing Architecture with Nature
Situated approximately 130 miles east of Los Angeles, The Landing House is not just a structure but a narrative of eco-friendly design. It is a story written in the language of sustainability, seamlessly blending into the desert’s textures and colors. Fernando Gerscovich, alongside his brothers Juan Diego and Patricio, envisioned a habitat that respects and adapts to the delicate desert ecosystem. Their approach was one of eco-humility, minimizing disruptions and integrating the building into the natural topography without disturbing the surrounding flora and geography.
The Gerscovich brothers were inspired by the area’s otherworldly landscape and natural light patterns during a visit in 2019. They purchased a five-acre parcel of land, graced by iconic Joshua trees and natural boulder formations. The house, imagined as a metaphorical fallen branch, was designed with a low-profile scale of 9 feet to respect the landscape. The choice of simple, low-maintenance materials like concrete, cedar, and glass ensures the structure ages naturally and gracefully within its environment.
The Landing House, now a serene retreat available for vacation rental, is designed for privacy and tranquility. A private road leads to the house, which is cleverly concealed behind a 9-foot-high horizontal wall. The entrance is marked by a dancing Yucca tree, leading to a breezeway landing that divides the house into two volumes, with an open courtyard offering breathtaking views of the desert and a plunge pool.
Each volume is thoughtfully designed, with one featuring a bedroom suite connected to a living room, kitchen, and workspace and the other housing the Pool Suite. The interior is clad in cedar paneling, with polished concrete floors and white oak furniture. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors offer unobstructed views of the desert, and all areas overlook the courtyard’s plunge pool.
The Landing House goes beyond mere architecture; it is a deep breath of serenity. A concrete platform extends to the plunge pool, designed for contemplative moments amidst the vast beauty of Joshua Tree. The landscape architecture is courtesy of Mother Nature, with the house’s non-intrusive form complementing its surroundings.
As a model of sustainable architecture, The Landing House reflects IOAN’s commitment to eco-sensitive stewardship. It embodies the principle of peaceful coexistence with the environment, showcasing how sustainability can beautifully apply to all aspects of life.
The Landing House is more than a structure; it’s a philosophy of living harmoniously with our environment. It stands as a beacon of sustainable architecture, reminding us of the beauty and importance of building with respect for nature.
The Landing House Image Gallery
About Industry of All Nations (IOAN)
IOAN, founded in April 2010, is more than a design office. It is a movement towards rethinking production methods for consumer goods. By collaborating with local communities worldwide, IOAN is restoring culture to products and empowering people through fair trade and environmental awareness.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Project Team: Fernando Gerscovich & Juan Diego Gerscovich.
- General contractor: Mano a Mano
