An architectural project is difficult to envision sans a landscape component—whether a massive site to play with or simply a few planters and hardscapes. Instead of landscape design being a layer to consider at the very end of a project, interweaving it carefully and intricately with the newly forming human-made augmentation is indispensable. This intersection of architecture and landscape has been interpreted spatially in different ways; some pursue it by alluding to organic shapes while others use the site context as their guide to concocting spaces that are functionally and narratively coherent. One such pavilion design that is brought to life as a purposeful extension of its rugged natural backdrop is The Landing House in California.

Industry of All Nations (IOAN), a research, design, and development office committed to sustainable production, realised The Landing House. The modern wooden pavilion is ensconced in the stark landscape of the Mojave Desert against the backdrop of California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Located nearly 130 miles east of Los Angeles, this muted yet captivating vacation retreat melts into the textures and colour palette of the desert environment it adorns—embodying sustainability in every seam. “The landscape is harsh, and it can take decades for a plant or tree to recover if displaced from its delicate ecosystem,” says Fernando Gerscovich, a Buenos Aires-born architect who, along with his brothers, Juan Diego and Patricio, created The Landing House. “We were determined to minimise disruptions of the natural landscape, so our design focused on integration that wouldn’t disturb the surrounding plants and natural geography of the land,” he adds.

Founded in April 2010, Industry of All Nations strives to rethink methods of production for consumer goods. Whether handknit alpaca sweaters from Bolivia or naturally dyed basics from India, IOAN takes manufacturing back to regions where materials originate. Through a series of collaborations with local communities across the globe, IOAN sets out on an expedition to restore culture in its products and reinstate the power of the people. New product designs are conceived through traditional and innovative industrial processes, all the while promoting environmental and social awareness, fair trade, and open borders for all nations.

The origin of The Landing House can be traced back to 2019, when the brothers first visited the region and were entranced by its commanding, almost otherworldly character. The designers were inspired to purchase a five-acre parcel of land where they could dabble with architectural techniques to yield a retreat that draws from the desert landscape, yet leaves it untouched. The land was dotted with the distinctive Joshua trees, natural boulder formations, and breathtaking views—almost emulating a national park within a national park. In this exhaustive setting, IOAN dreams of a house as a metaphoric fallen branch. Its relatively small volumetric scale of nine feet ensures that the structure stays low profile instead of overpowering the landscape.

“We also chose very simple, low-maintenance materials, including concrete, cedar, and glass, that will age naturally within the surrounding environment,” explains Gerscovich. “The house still looks new, but we fully expect it to naturally weather and grey in a beautiful way over time,” he adds.

The Landing House is a refuge that offers privacy and peace, available to experience as a vacation rental hosted by Homestead Modern. A 400-yard private road pierces through the terrain flanked by Joshua trees, meandering towards a nine-foot-high wall that conceals the house. A strategically planted Yucca tree greets guests and marks the property’s integrated entrance. Through the entrance, the viewer catches glimpses of the house from a breezeway landing separating two volumes to the left and right; an open courtyard straight ahead captures the Mojave Desert and overlooks a plunge pool. “The division of the volumes was conceived as a way to sort of remind people of the natural beauty of their surroundings,” the designer shares. “It’s a subtle way of encouraging people to step outside, into nature, in the course of their movements through the house,” he adds.

Enveloped in a warm balance of natural materials and modern amenities, The Landing House emerges as a comforting human habitat in the native landscape. The floor plan features two bookended bedroom suites, with the breezeway landing bridging the house as two wings. A bedroom suite with a uniquely designed round window at one end connects to a main floor plan featuring a living room, a kitchen, and a dedicated workspace. Across the breezeway, a second bedroom with private access, known as the Pool Suite, takes up approximately a third of the residential architecture. Cedar wall panelling with slightly polished concrete floors, and thoughtfully-crafted white oak furniture are constants across the internal spaces. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors allow the ethereal views of the desert landscape to flow without obstructions.

The serenity characteristic of the interior design trickles out into the outdoor spaces as well. A concrete platform shoots out perpendicularly from the breezeway straight towards the plunge pool. Its monolithic form invites soulful moments enwrapped in the vastness of Joshua Tree National Park. To the right, a separate structure houses a carport with a solar-panelled roof, protecting vehicles from the hot desert sun. The firepit to the left is hand-carved into a boulder that has been left in its original place. Tucked away in a placid corner is a sculptural landing pad with yoga mats. Framed by oxidised solid steel, the landing pad is filled with a compacted base of desert soil, further integrating it into the natural landscape.

Etched on the periphery of Joshua Tree National Park, The Landing House comes forth as an epitome of eco-sensitivity and sustainable architecture. Its horizontal form adds to its natural surroundings without intrusion—striking a balance between the creative vision and peaceful coexistence with nature. “Our core vision revolves around the process of creating things in truly sustainable ways, and we are proud of The Landing House as an extension of that vision,” Gerscovich concludes. “It is a reminder to us all that sustainability can be applied in beautiful ways to all aspects of our daily lives.”