American firm Hoogland Architecture has conceived a low-lying concrete residence wrapped in weathering steel, for an active couple who hope to remain in the desert home as they age.

The Arroyo House is located in Blue Diamond, a hamlet just outside Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert. The small community is situated near an active gypsum mine, and also lies within close proximity of Red Rock Canyon ? a conservation area that is popular with hikers and rock climbers.

The home was envisioned as a "base camp" for an active couple who are nearing retirement.
"After recently relocating to the Las Vegas area, their love of all things outdoors convinced them to make their home in the tiny village of Blue Diamond," said local studio Hoogland Architecture in a project description.
"While only minutes from Las Vegas, Blue Diamond is a half-mile-wide by half-mile-long hamlet, surrounded by some of the most iconic landscapes and sought-after rock outcroppings in the US."

The 3,875-square-foot (360-square-metre) dwelling was built on a sloped site near a natural wash, called an arroyo. For the austere desert site, the architects conceived a low-lying residence that consists of two rectilinear volumes connected by a deck.

One volume is long and horizontal, and serves as the main dwelling. The other form, which rises two levels, is more compact. It contains a garage at ground level and guest accommodation up above.

Exterior walls are made of concrete, weathe...