Set in the California desert, Sawmill by Olson Kundig perfectly embodies the opening notes of Ennio Morricone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The fragility of the surrounding landscape is artistically captured in the home’s subtle touches, such as the retractable ceiling beds and the steel screen guard next to the floating staircase. Like the characters of the aforementioned famed Western, Sawmill is completely off the grid. As a net-zero home that features sustainable design strategies and reclaimed materials, Sawmill redefines what it means to be a self-sufficient home in a harsh yet fragile environment.
The desert’s beauty can be enjoyed from the spacious removable window wall that leverages a simple turn of the wheel to retract into the background. Guests are naturally drawn to the central hearth located in the living area. While the outdoor patio embraces the centuries-old tradition of gathering around a campfire for morning and evening meals. A tough-as-nails exterior coupled with a welcoming interior give Sawmill by Olson Kundig unparalleled opportunities for connection and reflection.