Sunever
Joshua Tree
The Sunever House is a modern desert retreat located in Joshua Tree, California, designed to merge architecture with the raw beauty of the landscape. Defined by its minimalist geometry, natural materials, and fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces, Sunever House offers a serene refuge where light and shadow become integral design elements.
Type: Custom Home, Single Family, Vacation Home
Area: 2300 SQ.FT. livable,1200 SQ.FT. Decks
Client: Mohammad Momen, Ghazal Shokoufandeh
Architecture: Mohammad Momen, Shahram Shokoufandeh
Construction: In Permitting Process
Structural Engineer: S&Z Engineering, Inc.
Survey: H.J. Burke. Inc.
Geo & Soil Engineer: LOR Geotechnical Group, Inc
Location: Joshua Tree, CA
Architecture Inspired by the Desert
The design of Sunever House draws inspiration from the desert’s vast stillness and its ever-changing light. Composed of elongated linear forms, the architecture creates a rhythmic experience that unfolds gradually — from the shaded entry courtyard to the open living spaces overlooking the arid horizon.
The project’s clean lines and warm tones echo the desert palette, while perforated screens and wood pergolas filter sunlight, casting dynamic patterns across the surfaces throughout the day. This thoughtful interplay between openness and shelter defines the project’s identity.
Key Design Features of Sunever House
Desert Integration – The structure aligns with the site’s natural topography, minimizing environmental disruption and framing panoramic desert views.
Courtyard as a Transition Space – A quiet, tree-lined courtyard acts as a buffer between the garage and main residence, offering a contemplative moment before entering the living areas.
Natural Light and Shade – Carefully positioned overhangs and wooden screens moderate sunlight and heat, creating comfort and texture throughout the home.
Indoor–Outdoor Continuity – Expansive glass walls dissolve the boundaries between inside and out, extending the living space to the shaded patio and pool terrace.
Material Honesty – The use of light-toned concrete, wood, and glass creates a grounded yet refined material palette that reflects the desert’s natural hues.
A Modern Sanctuary in Joshua Tree
Sunever House redefines desert modern architecture through a focus on simplicity, spatial balance, and environmental harmony. The open-plan interiors flow seamlessly into outdoor lounging and pool areas, encouraging a slow, mindful lifestyle connected to nature’s rhythm.
Every architectural gesture — from the linear massing to the perforated screens — is designed to heighten sensory awareness of sunlight, shadow, and wind. This connection transforms the house into more than a dwelling; it becomes a living experience within the desert itself.
The Sunever House stands as a timeless example of modern desert living — a minimalist refuge that celebrates the intersection of architecture, light, and landscape. Rooted in calmness and clarity, it reflects a design ethos where simplicity leads to depth, and where every line draws attention back to the beauty of the natural world.