Nevada House, Paradise Valley NV, 1994
Located on the high plains of northwest Nevada at an altitude of approximately 4500 feet, the site is at once stark, vast, exposed and beautiful. The house is used for periodic visits by the families who own the large accompanying ranch. Since the house is not inhabited year round, security and low maintenance are important issues.
Airplanes are the most common means of access to the ranch and are used extensively to travel about the ranch. The aerial view is therefore equally as important as the conventional views from grade. Distinctly modeled earth forms are used to shelter the house from the elements as well as to mark its location from above. In addition, the ability to retreat into the earth-covered structure limits exterior views and provides comfort from the overwhelming scale of the surrounding environment.
The functional areas of the house - 4 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths, kitchen, living/dining, and office - are located within the earth-sheltered portion of the structure. A fully shuttered and screened wood porch is attached on the southwest edge of the house and provides protected exterior space for use in good weather to view the vast expanse of the terrain.
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