Modernism Week

unnamedPalm Springs, long known as a mecca for modernist architecture, will be home to two new modernist residences that opened to the public during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2017. The Miele Chino Canyon Project presented by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating and produced by Palm Springs Life and Better BuiltInc.,called on local contemporary architect Lance O’Donnell to create two iconic houses that present the principles of modernism with a fresh spin. One of the projects, the 02 House,was O’Donnell’s original design and the other was based on never-before-built original plans from Arizona modernist Al Beadle.Both feature building principles that are sensitive to the environment of the desert.

unnamed (3)While Palm Springs has an unrivaled trove of 20th century desert modernist structures, famed Arizona modernist Al Beadle was never able to realize a project in the area, until now. Beadle, who passed away in 1998, was known for translating the glass and steel lines of modernism into more relaxed forms that referred to and complemented their desert locations. O’Donnell worked closely with the Beadle Archives and some of the late architect’s closest collaborators to complete a previously unrealized house that Beadle designed for Paradise Valley, Arizona in the 1970s. Resurrecting the house brings Beadle’s brilliant work more closely into view and adds his name to the list of luminary modernist architects that are part of the Palm Springs landscape.

unnamed (1)The Beadle House features a smaller first level topped by an expansive second level that cantilevers 14 feet out in each direction. The house, which is sited within the Desert Palisades development in the Chino Cone area of Palm Springs at the base of San Jacinto Mountains, is a hallmark of Beadle’s work, a refined modern form artfully nestled into the rugged desert terrain.

In conjunction with this new project, architect Lance O’Donnell has also recently completed a stunning contemporary project of his own design, the 02 House, located within walking distance from the Al Beadle House. O’Donnell, a Palm Springs native, is known for the sustainable approach he takes to contemporary architecture. For this project, O’Donnell combines the best in contemporary architecture with the principles of Palm Springs modernism. Like Al Beadle before him, O’Donnell has skillfully crafted the house to exist amongst the terrain and weather of the desert,providing residents with a naturally ventilated space and spectacular views of the Coachella Valley, and preserving the natural features of the landscape. The O2 House will also feature an array of blue-chip artwork from contemporary artists such as John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jenny Holzer.

Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to ASPIRE DESIGN AND HOME magazine.

aspire design and home is seeker and storyteller of the sublime in living. It is a global guide to in-depth and varied views of beauty and shelter that stirs imagination; that delights and inspires homeowners as well as art and design doyens. Collaborating with emergent and eminent architects, artisans, designers, developers and tastemakers, aspire creates captivating content that savors the subjects and transports with stunning imagery and clever, thought-provoking writing. Through lush and unique visuals and a fresh editorial lens, aspire explores what is new and undiscovered in art, interiors, design, culture, real estate, travel and more. aspire design and home is an international narrative and resource for all seeking the sublime.