Home Exchange-Glass & Steel House I – Palm Springs, CA

This 5,600 sq ft modern-architectural marvel designed and constructed by Brian P. Buchan was inspired by the one of the most influential mid-century architects, Albert Frey. In grand tradition of desert modernism designed homes, The Glass and Steel House I raises against the spectacular backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, making a bold environmental statement.

A 10-foot-tall, 900 pound, vertically-ribbed stainless steel front door is the portal to this astonishing residence located in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood. Completed in 2007 is this modern version of mid-century design with a soaring main roofline opposed by a secondary, Alexander-referenced half –butterfly roofline. With construction of steel and polished concrete floors, this home is eco-friendly. The steel girders, beams and columns let the house soar away from its foundation with 40 foot cantilevers. The construction is an astonishing 53 percent glass. Palm tree tops are framed in clerestory windows. Walls disappear to allow the outside in, the inside out, and for every room to open up to stunning views Palm Springs is known for. The great room includes decorative wood sheaths soaring above a floating 16 foot-long glass fireplace, which soften many of the geometric interior surfaces. The ceiling is tongue-and-grove planks of Brazilian Santos mahogany, while South American sapelli graces the guest bathroom and anigre wood from Tangiers highlights the kitchen. Occupying one large space, the living room, dining room and kitchen face the shimmering lap pool and mountain views beyond for a dramatic setting. The walls are primarily bright white with accents of lime green, purple, and Ponsardin orange. Artwork ranges from modern paintings to a centuries-old African mask and a stone sculpture from the Shona tribe of Zimbabwe. The vibrant interior with custom furniture is by Christopher Kennedy Designs. With a showcase kitchen of artsy walls of iridescent glass and concrete, a hidden pantry was incorporated into the design to allow for culinary creativity and not distract from the bold settings of the home and views.

The sleeping quarters anchor either side of the home for maximum privacy. In the Master bath, most of the walls disappear to allow for views, light, and air to pour in. The glass walls of the shower in the master bath disappear, as does the wall behind the floating concrete vanity sink. A small shaving mirror is framed by cactus, palm trees, and other desert landscape. The guest quarters includes a 200 pound doors designed from German stainless-steel hardware and a laser router.

The home includes Crestron electronics technology, which coordinates and controls a 53 speaker sound system and various gadgets and satellite services throughout the residence. A theater / media room includes state of the art technology for cinematography viewing at its best. It is no wonder why this spectacular example of modern architecture has been featured in national television programs such as Spectacular Homes and numerous publications.

< >