As a remnant of the idealized Palm Springs of the past, House of the Sun was originally designed by William Krisel, a top mid-century modern architect. It was built by the famous Alexander Construction Company.
Featuring grapefruit and orange trees throughout the property and plenty of lounging areas near the heated swimming pool, this house is ideal for a relaxing getaway.
Come to Palm Springs and Experience the Architecture of the 1950s
Welcome to House of the Sun, a gorgeous mid-century modern home that marries the architectural style of the 50s with modern elements. The style features clean lines, a combination of natural and manmade materials, geographic shapes, vibrant colors, and the integration of indoor and outdoor motifs.
So, what makes this home so special? Well, let’s first start with the exterior. When looking at the outside of the home, it’s no wonder it was given the name House of the Sun. The facade features brilliant pops of green and orange as well as classic desert landscaping. The home features a gate with geometric motifs and a butterfly roof, which is one of the most distinctive signature California architectural elements.
The first thing you see when entering the House of the Sun is its bright living room. The room is decorated with a range of colors, giving it plenty of vibrancy. Throughout the living room, you’ll notice various geometric shapes, from the oblong-shaped coffee table to the abstract, geometric art adorning the wall. As you lounge in the living room, you’ll appreciate the infusion of traditional style with the modern design, which provides a breath of fresh air.
Just like other areas of the home, you’ll notice that the living room takes a minimalist approach to interior design. The “less is more” approach creates more airflow and space in each area, allowing the natural flow of air and light to pass freely in the room. As a result, you get to experience relaxation on a completely different level.
Another theme you’ll notice throughout the home is the mix of outdoor and indoor materials. The wicker lamp, wooden tables, wood floors, and wooden ceiling panels give the room a natural feel. Yet, the fabric in the sectional and throw pillows add a modern touch. You can also see the marriage of indoor and outdoor elements in the color scheme. Although you see pops of color like blue and orange, you also see shades of green and brown. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the living room give the space a light and airy feel, further bringing natural and handmade elements together with breathtaking views of the Southern California landscape.
The living area seamlessly gives way to the spacious dining area, showcasing a nice open floor plan. You’ll enjoy dining in this area with pops of color and natural light to brighten the mood. The retro-style bar stools, dining table, and bar fridge bring an element of fun and playfulness to the space.
Nearby is a cozy kitchen, where yet again, natural meets manmade. The natural wood of the cabinets, the stainless steel fridge, the wooden beams in the ceiling, and backsplash/floor tiles all blend together seamlessly to create a cohesive design.
One of the bedrooms is perhaps the only room in the House of the Sun that doesn’t feature bright pops of color. Everything is neutral and cream-colored, which creates a clean, monochromatic look. These earthy hues reflect the handcrafted, organic nature of the mid-century modern design.
So, while this bedroom doesn’t have vibrant colors, it does, in fact, featuring geometrical shapes in the bed pillows, wall art, and even the light fixtures. And while it’s not the most spacious design, the floor-to-ceiling mirrors give the room depth and character, making it look bigger than it is.
The room opens out onto a beautiful rock-lined path that leads to an impressive outdoor space with a fire pit, seating area, and a huge swimming pool. This outdoor area is the perfect space for everyone to gather around, grill, and take a dip during your getaway.
And if you are grilling, you’ll appreciate the outdoor dining area where you and your family can enjoy your meal and bask in the beautiful Southern California weather. Still not sold? You’ll feel like you’re at an actual resort with the impressive swimming pool and the lounge chairs surrounding it.
If you’re looking for the perfect short-term vacation rental with brilliant architectural design, then give this home a chance. It’s truly a masterpiece that brings the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor and indoor design as well as traditional and modern elements. Brilliant architect William Krisel really did give it his all when he drew up the House of the Sun.
William Krisel’s Career as an Architect
On June 5, 2017, at age 92, American architect William Kresel died at his home in Beverly Hills. Known for his pioneering designs in mid-century residential and commercial architecture, he was a celebrated architect. He brought his vision of modernism to Southern California tract housing.
Many people associate tract housing with cookie-cutter construction. While many tract homes in Palm Springs had the same floor plan, Krisel varied rooflines, paint schemes, and setbacks from the street so they never looked alike. Among his many accomplishments was the promotion of the “butterfly roof”.
Through sheltered patios, pools, and sometimes breezeways, his homes allowed indoor-outdoor living in the desert. By adding clerestory windows to his homes, the interiors were able to circulate air and let in more light.
His best-known work is the 1,200 middle-class homes he designed with George and Robert Alexander between 1957 and 1963.
The Adolphe Stelzer House, Tampa Homes, and Twin Palms Estates are just a few examples of homes he’s designed.
History of Alexander Construction Company in Palm Springs
Within the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California, Alexander Construction Company built over 2,200 houses between 1955 and 1965.
It was the construction of these homes that doubled the size of Palm Springs and transformed it into an enclave of modern architecture in the mid-century modern style.
Known collectively as “Alexanders,” these houses are now highly sought after, selling for a premium over their conventional contemporaries because of their rational designs, modernist style, and innovative construction.
At the end of the 1950s, the Alexanders were building in northwest Palm Springs, a traditionally wealthy and “Old Hollywood” neighborhood.
Open Air Homes is a Design-Driven Brand, Representing Some of the Most Sought-After Architectural Homes in Southern CA
Looking for the perfect getaway to Southern California, but don’t just want to live in any old home? Are you looking to experience a piece of eclectic desert culture? Come book a short-term rental stay in an architecturally significant home like the House of the Sun.
At Open Air Homes, we represent some of the most trendy architectural homes in Southern California. We take pride in our commitment to ensuring that the future of the short-term rental industry puts community and neighborhood safety over profits, and we have partnered with homeowners who believe that a brighter future for this industry is possible. We’ve been providing incredible experiences for 8 years through world-class hospitality, design, and guest support.
Offering 24/7 communication and support, premium amenities, concierge services, and curated local experiences, we’re committed to ensuring you have the best vacation possible. But that’s not all. Beyond providing the perfect oasis, we have an eye for design.
When you book one of our vacation properties, you’ll get the sophistication of a 5-star hotel and the conveniences of a home. Contact us today to book a luxury short-term rental.
You can book House of the Sun direct here. If you prefer to book on Airbnb, that works for us too!
