Josh Schweitzer’s Monument House in Joshua Tree

WORDS Cheri Morris PHOTOS VIA Homestead Modern

Now open to the public for the first time, Josh Schweitzer’s historic Monument House is an exercise in experimental and radical architecture; a cubic retreat boldly contrasting California’s rugged Joshua Tree desert with arresting multi-coloured geometrics and trapezoidal openings.

Planted within a bouldered landscape, Monument House is a shape-driven abode that has garnered worldwide acclaim as a modernist architectural icon that follows in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby New City of Mentalphysics.

Recently renovated and designed by Josh Schweitzer in 1990 as a vacation escape for the architect’s close friends and family, Monument House consists of three separate structures, each in a different colour. The dusted blues, greens and reds adorning exteriors and continued in the minimalist, contemporary interiors reflect the colour palette of the unspoiled surrounds.

Enveloped in privacy, the home features a spacious master bedroom, a large living room with views from every angle, unique and aplenty, and a bathroom with a vanity and walk-in shower. In the yard, a fire pit, hot tub and gazebo with an outdoor dining area make the ideal place for long starlit nights.

Monument House can be rented for a minimum of two nights through Homestead Modern. Check out some of their other design-centric vacation homes on their Instagram.

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