M20
Architecture | Houses - Unbuilt

M20

GAA.2024 | Gold Winner | Architecture

Perched at 2,995 feet, M20 is a private residence in the Nevada desert, designed to blend sculptural form with functional efficiency. Starting with a rectangular mass, the structure was split and rotated to create a central courtyard, providing all spaces with access to panoramic views, natural light, and airflow. Ecological preservation guided the design, using massing and materials to harmonize the home with the landscape and maintain the site’s natural character.

The long, low roofline mirrors the desert plateaus, while deep-set fenestrations mimic the surrounding slot canyons, offering protected views and airflow. Operable windows remove boundaries between indoors and outdoors, allowing natural ventilation and daylight to reduce the need for artificial lighting and cooling. Battered walls continue from the façade to the interior, creating a sense of movement through compressing and expanding spaces. Transparent hallways and pocket gardens further integrate the desert into the home, enhancing thermal stability and connection to the landscape.

Every room in M20 is carefully calibrated for spatial efficiency, incorporating hidden storage and built-ins for a minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. The restrained material palette emphasizes the sandy-toned limestone façade, which blends with the desert environment, accented by COR-TEN steel echoing the rust hues of nearby Red Rock Canyon. Polished concrete floors, natural wood, and tactile surfaces create a calming interior backdrop, allowing curated furnishings and artwork to take center stage.

M20 masterfully merges design, sustainability, and functionality, creating a seamless connection between the home and its natural surroundings.

Studio Name

Daniel Joseph Chenin

Project Location

Las Vegas, Nevada

Year of Conclusion

2025

Lead Designer

Daniel Joseph Chenin

Design Team

Eric Weeks, Kevin Welch, Esther Chung, Alberto Sanchez

Photography Credits

Daniel Jospeh Chenin

Website

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