Cross Aluminum Products

Desert Pearl Residence

In the hot, arid desert with mountains in the distance, the residence appears like a cool white pearl, blending seamlessly with its landscape. Commissioned by an artist and astronomer, the home integrates a workshop, art gallery, and telescope dome without separating living and working spaces, instead using an exhibition gallery to unite the functions. The main staircase intersects a corner of the gallery, making circulation and engagement with the artwork intertwined. Large doors open to a central courtyard, where a curved translucent canopy filters harsh sunlight, and a shallow pool tucked under the second floor provides a cool play area. Artificial grass conserves water while creating a serene oasis, contrasting with the orthogonal workshop walls, while the living and bedroom areas sweep radially across the south to frame expansive desert vistas. The barrel-vaulted workshop roof extends east-west, while the bedroom wing arcs upward, balancing the spherical telescope dome. Multiple curved roof levels echo the distant mountains. To prevent heat buildup from affecting nighttime astronomy, the structure uses thermally light construction with reflective white metal panels, rather than massive thermal walls. The telescope, isolated from vibrations and airflow disruptions, sits outside with open floor grating and wire mesh guardrails for natural ventilation, while a top-floor control room and roof deck provide convenient access for stargazing. The project received the 2019 Muse Platinum Award for residential architecture.