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GLASS HOUSE

DESIGN LEADER: ALEX PENNA

LOCATION: PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

PROJECT AREA: 3,700 SF

NUMBER OF STORIES: 1

MARKET: RESIDENTIAL ​

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Unveiling Studio KHORA's Fusion of Palm Springs Architects' Aesthetics in Glass House Design – A Tribute to Mies Van Der Rohe's Modernism

The inaugural Glass House, a pioneering architectural endeavor, was conceived by the visionary Mies van der Rohe. Yet, it is crucial to appreciate the historical nuances surrounding its nomenclature.

 

An entanglement of litigation and the waning of a personal relationship led Ms. Farnsworth to eschew Mies' designation of her residence as the Glass House. The mantle of naming rights eventually fell to the capable hands of the esteemed architect Philip Johnson, who christened it as the first Glass House. The emotive resonance this must have stirred within Mies van der Rohe remains a matter of intrigue.  

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Fast forward to the present day, and we witness the renaissance of the Glass House, expertly revitalized by Studio KHORA, a distinguished architectural firm based in Florida. With a firm commitment to contemporary architectural principles and a dedication to LEED standards, KHORA's Glass House stands ready for its debut amidst the sun-soaked landscapes of Palm Springs, where the legacy of Palm Springs architects awaits

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As articulated by Penna, the Lead Contemporary Designer at KHORA, "What sets apart our Glass House from 'modern houses' is its transformation into a sculptural masterpiece. 

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​Studio KHORA has artfully fashioned a sustainable, energy-efficient masterpiece within the Palm Springs landscape. Employing advanced parametric computer modeling, they've created an ingenious shading canopy that gracefully obstructs direct solar rays, effectively mitigating summer-time solar gains. Furthermore, a refined linear skylight, with its sleek rectangular design, elegantly adorns the living space, ushering in an abundance of soft, natural light to illuminate the interior. This sophisticated design not only provides respite from the desert's unforgiving sun but also maximizes the potential for refreshing cross-ventilation

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This exquisite creation pays homage to the iconic Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe, yet boldly extends the discourse of modern architecture.  KHORA's Glass House is a testament to the exploration of asymmetric design and harmonious geometric proportions, harnessing the mesmerizing interplay of transparency and reflection. A tribute to the California desert, where the legacy of modernism holds profound significance, this structure aspires to add a new dimension to the architectural landscape.

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The KHORA's Glass House creates a dramatic desert pavilion with international sophistication and courageous sculptural forms; a playful design that continuously provokes, challenges, and inspires the senses. A must-see for the Mid-Century purist.

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