A culmination of natural materials, timeless architecture, and a contemporary connection between indoors and out.
Echo’s “bold world architecture” becomes one with its rugged yet majestic desert surroundings. Flooring flows from interior to exterior and out into the landscape creating a striking interaction between home and nature. Native flora edges up to the living areas to further join the two. Mountainous panoramas are framed by expansive walls of glass in the spacious great room and master bedroom, engaging the distant vista as well as the near. In a clean, crisp design technique, walls continue from the indoor spaces to the outdoors in one, long beautiful sight line.
When the glass slides away and the home is opened up, the indoor-outdoor relationship is complete. This Zen-like approach allows homeowners and their guests, in tandem with the furnishings and the landscape, to act as dynamic décor within the built environment.
Commanding exteriors are defined by substantial stone masonry walls, while a softening of the interior palette sets the tone for rest and retreat. As one approaches, an exposed aggregate concrete driveway meets the rustic paver stone street. Slumpstone block perimeter walls speak to/conjure the Italian countryside, complemented by old growth olives trees, boulders, and natural rock outcroppings.
Throughout the home, a warm palette of natural materials, presented in their raw textures, juxtaposes sleek, contemporary finishes. Cut stone accent walls, smooth and textured stucco in neutral hues, glass, black steel, concrete, white oak, and other natural woods have been curated in a serene visual interplay. The overall effect is simple and monotone, clean and unadorned, organic yet refined. Harmony in balance.
Modern style and amenities are integrated, from indirect skylights to bathe the walls in natural light to intuitive separations of space. Hardwood and large-format concrete floors pair with Fleetwood doors and windows, inviting a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. European-style touches in the kitchens and bathrooms include Thermador appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerators, marble countertops, matte black fixtures, and contemporary lighting.
Echo chose to make its mark in Rancho Mirage, an esteemed and elegant community favored by presidents, philanthropic entrepreneurs, and Hollywood’s elite. Important architecture has strong roots in Rancho Mirage, where several great mid-century architects designed legendary clubhouses and fairway estates. Miles of lush golf courses encircled by mountain views are a hallmark of this pristine city and its effortlessly luxurious lifestyle. Echo is situated off Bob Hope Drive in close proximity to Interstate 10 and the acclaimed Sunnylands Center and Gardens. Fine dining, tennis, shopping, world-class resort spas, entertainment, and hiking are all minutes from this central location in the valley.
Community Overview
- + 9 residences in a gated community
- + 4 floor plans, 4 elevations – one with 2 options for the façade
- + 3 bedrooms plus den – some with options for a guest house/casita or pool cabana
- + South-facing pool and spa, sited for sun and shade
- + Generous 3,700- to 4,100-square-foot plans
- + Lot sizes range from 15,000 to 20,000 square feet
- + Drought-tolerant landscape, paver stone private street
- + Architect: Sean Lockyer, Studio AR&D Architects
- + Developers: Byron and Eric Smith, with Bob Smith of MSA Consulting
- + Civil Engineers: MSA Consulting, Inc.
- + General Contractor: HJH Construction, Inc.