Building a home in the desert is certainly a test of green building innovation — because in a climate where resources are limited, how do you build to ensure comfort and longevity? Architect Lloyd Russell offers a beautiful solution with his Austin Residence near Palm Springs, California. Besides its construction out of recycled materials, Russell gave serious consideration to the mechanics of passive ventilation the home during the hot summer months. He was also sensitive to the culture of the surrounding California desert when developing the home’s look-and-feel, creating a contemporary home reminiscent of an old West outpost that captures the essence of desert living.

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Post tags: california homes, california residence, california residential architecture, desert homes, desert living, eco friendly residence, eco-friendly homes, green architecture, Green Building, green homes, green residence, lloyd russell, palm springs, passive ventilation, Sustainable Building

At the recent Dwell On Design conference in Palm Springs, I had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Leo Marmol of Marmol Radziner about prefab architecture and sustainability. I asked him about his trajectory as a designer, and what opportunities he sees for prefab to have a larger impact on a wider, more affordable market. His response was thoughtful and optimistic, and provided some great insight into the mind of a forward-thinking and increasingly green designer.

Click on the image above to watch the interview or read below for the full interview transcription.

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Post tags: desert architecture, Desert Prefab, green prefab architecture, Leo Marmol, marmol radziner, palm springs, Steel Prefab, sustainable prefab architecture

The Inhabitat team is on site here in Palm Springs at the Dwell On Design conference, and we’ve just wrapped up a full day of lectures from distinguished speakers on topics such as Visions of Utopia and the Future of Desert Architecture. This morning’s lineup included a panel discussion and lectures by architects, designers, critics, and historians, focusing on the legacy of mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs.

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Post tags: design conference, dwell on design, Inhabitat is the media sponsor, Leo Marmol, marmol radziner, palm springs

Just a little reminder that the Dwell on Design conference is happening December 1st-3rd in Palm Springs – that’s THIS WEEKEND, design aficionados! The conference boasts a great lineup of speakers, events, and home tours, so if you’re a design fan in the southern CA area, you shouldn’t miss it. Although it’s getting down to the wire, you can still purchase tickets online and get a $75 discount through Inhabitat if you use our special code “HABITAT”.

REGISTER HERE >

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Post tags: design conference, dwell on design, Inhabitat is the media sponsor, Leo Marmol, marmol radziner, palm springs

Following September’s San Francisco installment , the Dwell on Design conference series continues in Palm Springs December 1st-3rd, and boasts a great lineup of speakers, events, and home tours. We are media sponsors this time around again, and the best part is that our friends at Dwell have offered a special registration discount for Inhabitat readers to attend the weekend-in-the-desert design event. Enter code HABITAT on the registration page to receive $75 off (in addition to the early bird ticket rate valid through November 15th).

REGISTER HERE >


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Post tags: design conference, dwell on design, Inhabitat is the media sponsor, Leo Marmol, marmol radziner, palm springs

Sustainable design and prefabrication are two of our central obsessions here at Inhabitat. So when they come together in one sleek package, we take note. Lest you think we have been ignoring or overlooking innovative LA-based design firm Marmol Radziner, think again. We were just waiting for the right moment…and since Sarah got a chance to see the firm at CA Boom last week, we decided the right moment has finally arrived.

Read the rest of PREFAB FRIDAY: Marmol Radziner

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Post tags: desert architecture, Desert Prefab, green prefab architecture, Leo Marmol, marmol radziner, palm springs, Steel Prefab, sustainable prefab architecture