D E S E R T R E T R E A T
D E S E R T
R E T R E A T Lot Size:
10,019 sf
Building Size: 1,507 sf Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Project Type: Residential Condominium Renovation + Restoration
P R O J E C T
N A R R A T I V E
Desert Retreat is a 1,507sf Condominium Home, originally designed by architect Barry A. Berkus, AIA, 19591961, in Palm Springs, CA. The home was purchased with the intention to restore the interior and showcase the original distinctive architectural elements which once gave this home it’s timeless mid-century modern identity. Existing conditions presented extreme deferred maintenance, major alterations, and removal of many original features which once gave this home its mid-century modern identity. However, the unique foldedplate roofline made of prefab components, custom cast bricks, and clerestory windows remained intact in this post & beam home. Research began by visiting neighboring homes in this community, all in different levels of repair and originality, and a photo archive was created. Additional information was gathered by removing layers to identify original colors of fixtures, beams, and bricks. Every surface was restored, fabricated, or re-created but remaining true to the original design intent to realize a Desert Retreat located within driving distance of busy Los Angeles. A full renovation was completed focusing on restoration while marrying the indoor/outdoor relationships of desert living with a Zen-like garden of local stone and native plants. The unifying priority was preserving existing materials, utilizing salvaged materials, and using sustainable materials when use of new products was required. Since completing this transformation, information has been shared with neighboring homeowners who have expressed a new found interest in restoring their mid-century modern desert home.
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Paint stripped from hinges revealed 1959 inscribed on back of each hinge.
Original Formica counters salvaged from neighbors new kitchen “update”.
Beams restored to original Wenge Brown.
Brass globe lights restored, missing lights fabricated.
Carpet removed, concrete polished, scored, and sealed.
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Shoji Screens Salvaged from dumpster.
Bricks repaired and restored to original color.
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Exhaust fan restored to original turquoise color. Stove salvaged from neighbors yard closet.
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Floor Plan 1959
Entrance 2012
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R E T R E A T Lot Size:
10,019 sf
Building Size: 1,507 sf Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Project Type: Residential Condominium Renovation + Restoration
P R O J E C T
N A R R A T I V E
Desert Retreat is a 1,507sf Condominium Home, originally designed by architect Barry A. Berkus, AIA, 19591961, in Palm Springs, CA. The home was purchased with the intention to restore the interior and showcase the original distinctive architectural elements which once gave this home it’s timeless mid-century modern identity. Existing conditions presented extreme deferred maintenance, major alterations, and removal of many original features which once gave this home its mid-century modern identity. However, the unique foldedplate roofline made of prefab components, custom cast bricks, and clerestory windows remained intact in this post & beam home. Research began by visiting neighboring homes in this community, all in different levels of repair and originality, and a photo archive was created. Additional information was gathered by removing layers to identify original colors of fixtures, beams, and bricks. Every surface was restored, fabricated, or re-created but remaining true to the original design intent to realize a Desert Retreat located within driving distance of busy Los Angeles. A full renovation was completed focusing on restoration while marrying the indoor/outdoor relationships of desert living with a Zen-like garden of local stone and native plants. The unifying priority was preserving existing materials, utilizing salvaged materials, and using sustainable materials when use of new products was required. Since completing this transformation, information has been shared with neighboring homeowners who have expressed a new found interest in restoring their mid-century modern desert home.
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Paint stripped from hinges revealed 1959 inscribed on back of each hinge.
Original Formica counters salvaged from neighbors new kitchen “update”.
Beams restored to original Wenge Brown.
Brass globe lights restored, missing lights fabricated.
Carpet removed, concrete polished, scored, and sealed.
R
E
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Shoji Screens Salvaged from dumpster.
Bricks repaired and restored to original color.
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Exhaust fan restored to original turquoise color. Stove salvaged from neighbors yard closet.
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Floor Plan 1959
Entrance 2012
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