Last week we took you on a city tour around LA’s Case Study homes and loved it. So, as part of our City Tours edition, we’re off to Palm Spring for a slightly different take on mid-century modern, known as Desert Modernism.
Palm Springs is home to a number of architecturally glamorous and luxurious homes of the mid century era. Today, Palm Springs is known for welcoming people from all over the world for holidays and festivals, but the history is rich when it comes to the mid century era. All of the residential homes in Palm Spring could not be built any higher than one story, for the beautifully simply reason that nobody is blocking anyone’s view of the mountains as well as nobody being able to see into your backyard.
Mid Century Homes in Palm Springs
For anyone that loves the clean lines, thought through spaces, and a mix-use of materials of mid century modern, Palm Springs is certainly a place to have your list to visit.
Desert Modernism: Kaufmann House
One of the most loved and revered examples of mid-century architecture. Richard Neutra designed the Kaufmann House is 1964 for Edgar J Kaufmann, who was looking for a holiday home in the hills of Palm Spring. The house was designed on Neutra’s principle of “ready-for-anything” and allowed for open, multi-use spaces that could evolve and change over time.
Abernathy Residence
Focused on year-round outdoor living, the Abernathy Residence was designed by William F Cody in 1962. The L-shaped home features many characteristics associated with mid century modern; its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, white exterior, geometric construction, and detail in the landscape surrounding it makes this home as much as a piece of art as it is architecture.
Retro Modernism: Steel Houses
All-steel homes that were designed to provide a housing model that was low-cost, replicable, and suited to the desert climate. Designed by Donald Wexler in 1961, in collaboration with U.S. Steel, the project was initially intended to build 107 homes. Seven homes were built until the project was abandoned when the price of steel rose. Nevertheless, the homes represent what simple yet ambitious architecture and design can achieve.
Sinatra House (1947)
Inside the Twin Palms estate of Palm Springs is the iconic Sinatra House, designed by E Stewart Williams for Frank Sinatra. The tales of this home reflect the backdrop of Hollywood stars gravitas towards the desert hideaway, Palm Springs. Undoubtedly gorgeous and filled with Sinatra charm, today the home is a mid century treasure.
Elrod House
On the edge of a hill sits Elrod House, famed for its monumental designs and its debut in James Bond. Designed by John Lautner in 1968, who was one to design his homes to be at one with nature. The volcano-like structure makes the Elrod House one of the most unique, and slightly obscure, homes in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Modernism Week
Every February, there’s a week marked out in the calendars of design and architecture enthusiasts to celebrate Palm Springs Modernism Week. The week-long series of events are made to indulge in and enjoy the mid century modern design and architecture that’s made the Californian oasis a place of inspiration and glamour. Every February you can enjoy the best of what the desert town has to offer, all at the comfort of your own home (ok perhaps I would rather be there, but make the best out a tricky situation). Sign yourself up here with tickets starting at $10.
Photo credits: Cover image by Lance Gerber for Ridgemore Residence
I'm an architectural enthusiast with a deep understanding of mid-century modern design, particularly in the context of Palm Springs. My passion for this architectural era stems from extensive research, site visits, and a keen interest in the intricate details of iconic structures. Let me take you on a journey through the concepts and places mentioned in the article.
Desert Modernism in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs, renowned for its mid-century modern architecture, offers a unique take known as Desert Modernism. The city's history is steeped in the mid-century era, with a distinctive feature being the restriction on residential homes to one story, preserving mountain views and privacy.
Mid Century Homes in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs is a haven for admirers of mid-century modern design, characterized by clean lines, well-thought-out spaces, and a blend of materials. The city boasts architecturally glamorous and luxurious homes from the mid-century era, attracting visitors from around the world.
Kaufmann House:
Designed by Richard Neutra in 1964 for Edgar J Kaufmann, the Kaufmann House is a beloved example of mid-century architecture. It embodies Neutra's principle of "ready-for-anything," featuring open, multi-use spaces that can adapt and evolve over time.
Abernathy Residence:
The Abernathy Residence, designed by William F Cody in 1962, prioritizes year-round outdoor living. This L-shaped home showcases mid-century modern characteristics, including floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a white exterior, geometric construction, and meticulous landscape detailing.
Retro Modernism: Steel Houses:
Donald Wexler's 1961 project, in collaboration with U.S. Steel, introduced all-steel homes aimed at being low-cost, replicable, and suitable for the desert climate. Although only seven homes were built due to rising steel prices, they represent a testament to ambitious architecture and design.
Sinatra House (1947):
Located in the Twin Palms estate, the Sinatra House was designed by E Stewart Williams for Frank Sinatra. This iconic residence reflects the allure of Hollywood stars to Palm Springs, featuring captivating mid-century design and the charm associated with Sinatra.
Elrod House:
Designed by John Lautner in 1968, the Elrod House sits on the edge of a hill, known for its monumental designs and its appearance in a James Bond film. Lautner's approach to integrating homes with nature is evident in the volcano-like structure, making it one of Palm Springs' most unique residences.
Palm Springs Modernism Week:
Every February, design and architecture enthusiasts mark their calendars for Palm Springs Modernism Week. This week-long celebration indulges in mid-century modern design and architecture, showcasing the inspiration and glamour that define the Californian oasis. The event provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the best of Palm Springs' architectural treasures.
If you're intrigued by the mid-century modern aesthetic, Palm Springs is undoubtedly a destination worth exploring, offering a rich tapestry of architectural wonders that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
