Continuing our series celebrating Palm Springs Modernism Week, we're examining Hope Residence, the home that American architect John Lautner designed for comedian Bob Hope to resemble a volcano.
Located in Palm Springs' Southridge community, Hope Residence was completed in 1980 as the second home of the comedian ? a popular film and television star at the time ? and his wife Dolores.

Covered by a large domed roof, the concrete residence is often likened to a mushroom. But Lautner is said to have modelled its unusual shape on a volcano, puncturing a huge hole in the roof to offer sky views and natural light to the patio below.
As the roof curves down, it forms three arches that open vistas to the garden and panoramic vistas of the surrounding Coachella Valley.
By referencing natural forms, Lautner was following in the footsteps of his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright, who promoted the harmony between design and nature with his "organic architecture" philosophy.
Lautner had served as an apprentice for Wright during the mid 1930s and by the time he came to design the house for Bob and Dolores in the 1970s, he had worked to distance himself from his famous teacher. However, many features are clearly comparable, like the curved forms and large expanses of glazing.

Other Wright-esque details include the steps around the house that lead to the outdoor areas ? which includes a rockery, a pool and a pond ? and a large boulder that juts into the lounge, mimicking a similar fe...