emerging from the rugged joshua tree desert, colorful 'monument house' opens to the public

multi-colored monument house in joshua tree, california

Just a mile from Joshua Tree Park in California, Josh Schweitzer’s historic Monument House is open to the public for the first time. Enveloped by a vast valley of boulders, the cubic retreat stands out from the rugged landscape with its multi-color exterior and trapezoidal openings. The shape-driven abode is considered a modernist architectural icon that follows in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby New City of Mentalphysics.

Monument House takes shape as three separate structures, each one covered in a different color

all images courtesy of Homestead Modern

reflecting the natural surroundings

Designed by Josh Schweitzer in 1990, the house was built as a vacation home for the architect’s close friends and family. The residence is considered a continuation of a rich tradition of experimental and radical architecture in the California high desert and has been featured on numerous book and magazine covers.

Monument House consists of three separate structures, each in a different color. Pale blues, greens, and reds adorn the modernist home, which was built to blend into its surroundings by reflecting the color palette of the natural landscape. The secluded home features a spacious master bedroom, a large living room with endless views, and a bathroom with a vanity and walk-in shower. Highlights also include a private backyard with a fire pit and hot tub and a gazebo with an outdoor dining area. The recently renovated home is now open to the public and can be rented for a minimum of two nights through the Homestead Modern hospitality brand (find more here).

the multi-color abode is enveloped by a vast valley of boulders