Tucked between the breathtaking Red Rock Canyon and the bustling Las Vegas Strip, this architectural gem by Faulkner Architects is a marriage of design and the rugged desert environment.

Situated on a three-quarter-acre plot, the Red Rock residence is shaped by its surroundings—an arid climate characterized by hot summers, dry winters, and forceful winds. The architects approached the project with a minimalist vision that reflects the stark beauty of the desert and emphasizes durability and privacy.

The design process began with a subtractive approach, carving out spaces that protect against the elements while maximizing connection to the natural environment. The eastern-facing courtyard offers a serene retreat, shielded from the wind and anchored by a water feature that mirrors the geometry of the living space. This reflective basin captures the distant Las Vegas skyline, creating a visual interplay between nature and urbanity. The restrained palette of materials—concrete, weathered steel, and locally sourced aggregates—enhances the sense of place, grounding the house in the desert landscape.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a narrow passageway framed by towering concrete walls that subtly ascends into an open-air courtyard. Here, native plants reach toward the sky, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture and nature. Below grade, over half of the residence nestles into the earth, ensuring natural insulation and offering respite from the harsh desert climate. This subterranean portion of the house is bathed in light through strategically placed openings, including those beneath the reflective water basin, creating a surreal interplay of shadow and light.

On the upper level, the sleeping quarters are encased in a perforated weathering steel framework, designed to protect against the intense sun while maintaining airflow. This structure stretches along the east-west axis, and its deliberate elongation offers protection for the pool and outdoor areas. The cantilevered form, perched above the lower level, gestures outward towards the canyon to the west and the Strip to the east, anchoring the house within its panoramic context. A shaded deck, suspended above the garage and driveway, extends from this form, providing shelter and shading while echoing the rugged geological formations of Red Rock Canyon.

Energy efficiency is another defining aspect of the Red Rock residence. The building is topped with a reflective roof that supports a 45 kW photovoltaic array, and the house features high-performance glazing, mechanical, and lighting systems. In this way, the design not only respects the natural environment but works harmoniously with it, capturing the spirit of sustainable desert living.

From its sculptural massing to the careful consideration of materiality and energy, the Red Rock residence embodies a profound engagement with its environment. The design is as much about framing the vast desert views as it is about creating an oasis of shelter and privacy amidst the dramatic landscape of Nevada.

PROJECT DETAILS

Faulkner Architects design team
Gregory Faulkner, FAIA, Principal
Owen Wright, Project Architect
Jenna Shropshire, Project Manager
Breanne Penrod, Architectural Staff Level II

Project Team
Architect: Faulkner Architects
Interior Designer: Concept Lighting Lab
General Contractor: RW Bugbee & Associates
Landscape Architects: Hugo Sanchez Paisaje and Vangson Consulting
Structural: CFBR Structural Group
Civil: Shaw Engineering
MEP: Energy-1
Surveyor: Diamondback Land Surveying
Geotechnical: Geo Tek Residential
Lighting Designer: Concept Lighting Lab
Pool Designer: Ozzie Kraft Pools

Photography
Joe Fletcher