Mini Courtyard Residences:

Located in Wonder Valley CA; Meriwether Road.

We designed the Courtyard to create a minimal timeless desert farm house, getaway. The central portion of the house is the hot tub with an open view towards the sky full of stars at night. The House is 869 SQ-FT.

The 5 AC property on Meriwether is Owned by Orange Green.

The small and sustainable courtyard house in the California desert used as a vacation home rental would be designed to blend with its arid surroundings while providing a comfortable and eco-friendly retreat for guests. Here's a description of its architecture:

1. Orientation and Site Integration:

   • The house would be strategically situated to take advantage of the desert's natural beauty while minimizing the impact on the environment.

   • Large, south-facing windows would capture the abundant sunlight and warmth during the day, while smaller north-facing openings would provide views of the surrounding landscape and ensure energy efficiency.

2. Materials:

   • Sustainable and locally-sourced materials like adobe, rammed earth, and recycled wood would be used for construction. These materials blend with the desert landscape and have excellent thermal mass properties, helping to keep the interior temperature stable.

3. Courtyard Design:

   • The central focus of the house would be a private courtyard, which provides shade and a sheltered outdoor space for relaxation. Native desert plants and succulents would be incorporated into the landscaping to reduce water consumption.

4. Passive Solar Design:

   • The house would be designed with passive solar principles in mind, using eaves and shading devices to control the amount of sunlight entering the interior.

   • High thermal mass materials, like the adobe or rammed earth walls, would store heat during the day and release it at night, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling.

5. Energy Efficiency:

   • Photovoltaic solar panels on the roof would generate electricity to power the house and potentially feed excess energy back into the grid.

   • High-efficiency, low-energy appliances, LED lighting, and well-insulated windows and walls would minimize energy consumption.

6. Water Management:

   • Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems would be implemented to reduce water consumption.

   • Low-flow fixtures and water-efficient landscaping would further contribute to water conservation.

7. Indoor/Outdoor Connection:

   • Large sliding or folding glass doors would connect the interior spaces to the courtyard, creating a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor areas.

   • A shaded outdoor seating area and possibly a small pool or spa would offer guests a place to cool off in the desert heat.

8. Minimalist and Functional Interior:

   • The interior would feature an open floor plan with a small, well-equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and a comfortable bedroom with views of the desert landscape.

   • Sustainable, low-VOC materials and finishes would be used in the interior design.

9. Waste Management:

   • Recycling and composting facilities would be integrated into the design to minimize waste and promote sustainability.

10. Community Engagement:

    • The vacation home could also engage with the local community by using local artisans and craftspeople for furnishings and decor.

11. Guest Education:

    • Information about the home's sustainable features and tips for responsible desert living would be provided to guests, fostering awareness and eco-friendly behavior.

This small and sustainable courtyard house would not only offer a unique and eco-conscious experience for vacationers but also serve as an example of sustainable desert living in California. It would harmonize with the desert environment while reducing its ecological footprint.