Desert Palisades is a desert modernism home in Palm Springs that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Designed by Los Angeles–based architecture studio Woods + Dangaran, the house reinterprets mid-century ideals for a contemporary lifestyle while remaining deeply rooted in the desert landscape.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, the home is carefully aligned with the mountain’s base. Its form and materials ground it within the terrain, creating a visual and physical connection to its environment. This desert modernism home in Palm Springs is both subtle and bold—commanding in structure, yet soft in how it meets the land.
The layout begins at the pool, where outdoor living takes priority. From there, the house unfolds as a series of pavilion-style volumes, linked by walkways and framed views. The use of concrete masonry units at the base and burnished grey concrete blocks for the pavilions gives the sense that the house has risen organically from the desert floor.
Brass is used throughout the structure, particularly as casing for doors and windows. Exposed to the elements, it develops a natural patina that softens over time, offering a material contrast to the stone and concrete while withstanding the intense desert heat.
Inside, the home continues its conversation with the environment. Smooth plaster walls add warmth and depth, while travertine floors and countertops provide continuity with the sandy tones outside. The interior palette—sage green, dusty pink, and sandy brown—reflects the surrounding desert, bringing calm and cohesion to every space.
Large panes of glass open the house to its setting, allowing for uninterrupted views of the San Jacinto Mountains and surrounding desert. Sliding doors blur the boundaries between inside and out, supporting a lifestyle that embraces Palm Springs’ climate and light.
This desert modernism home in Palm Springs also draws from the traditions of California mid-century architecture. The home is arranged as two wings: a private zone with bedrooms and a public area for entertaining and daily life. Both wings sit on a single level, reinforcing a sense of ease and accessibility.
Patinaed brass details on the façade catch the shifting sunlight, adding subtle movement and texture to the architecture. Native plantings—both inside and outside—reinforce the home’s environmental integration and ensure long-term sustainability in the arid climate.
A swimming pool and terrace area offer classic Palm Springs outdoor living, but with a sense of balance and restraint. Every element—from materials to landscaping—feels intentional and connected to the desert setting.
