Faulkner Architects, a studio based in California, has designed a striking concrete house crowned with a cantilever made of weathering steel, offering a scenic view of Las Vegas. This spacious home spans 11,780 square feet (approximately 1,094 square meters) and is located in Summerlin, Nevada. The design thoughtfully incorporates the sturdiness and traditional construction techniques necessary to withstand the desert’s challenging conditions, which include strong winds, dry winters, and scorching summers.
Designer: Faulkner Architects
Named Red Rock, the house is designed with a central focus on a courtyard and a square, elevated water basin that mirrors the living area’s dimensions. The structure was crafted using a subtractive method, involving ground excavation and the careful carving out of spaces. “The house represents a contextual conversation between the original and distant desert landscape and the built landscape of the city,” said Faulkner Architects. “The earthlike ground form fitted with a layer of weathered steel is a nod to the geology of Las Vegas Valley and Red Rock Canyon beyond. Setting the distant view of the city profile on the water calls out its ephemeral nature and delicate relationship with water,” the studio continued.
Positioned between the bustling Las Vegas Strip to the east and the serene Red Rock Canyon to the west, the house artfully balances both urban and natural elements. The region’s climate shaped the choice of materials and the architectural form of the residence. Zoning regulations also imposed a height limit of 24 feet (approximately 7.3 meters), prompting the design to incorporate shared spaces that extend into the earth.
Nearly half of the home’s structure is situated below ground level, while the remainder is elevated into a naturally ventilated viewing area that houses the sleeping quarters. This section is equipped with perforated steel screens, which provide shade to the upper level and manage sun exposure effectively. The design shelters the courtyard on its northern and eastern sides, yet it allows breezes to flow over the cooler water. This passive cooling system, facilitated by steel slash doors, helps maintain comfortable temperatures in the living areas on the lower level.
“Entry to the house is gained via a narrow opening in the concrete mass,” said the studio. “The threshold, at eye level with the water, leads to a closed and shaded passage that ramps up slightly to an entry court, open to the sky and inhabited by a vertical landscape of native plantings.”
The concrete used for the floors and walls incorporates a mix of locally sourced sand, gravel, and fly ash. This blend produces a tone that, when highlighted by the intense desert sun, mirrors the buff-colored hue of the distant mountains, as explained by the design team. This rock-like concrete complements the copper and rust tones of the weathering steel exterior and the warm neutral finishes of the sawn oak interior. A white, reflective roof supports a photovoltaic array, while high-efficiency glazing, mechanical systems, and lighting contribute to the home’s performance in the challenging climate.
