Fort 137

On the edge of the Las Vegas Valley in the United States lies Fort 137, a true oasis amidst the desert. Design studio Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd. has developed an integrated, cinematic approach to architecture. And the result is this. Panoramic views of the area around Red Rock Canyon.
Fort 137, a contemporary and cosy home, was designed for a family with an active lifestyle of outdoor experiences. It is perfectly interconnected with the surrounding natural beauty. The inside includes a master suite, a second suite and three additional bedrooms, a kitchen, a home office, a cinema room, as well as a combined living and dining space. 
At the entrance, grabbing our attention, the 8.5 metre high conical-shaped block contrasts with the straight lines of the living spaces, with the sound of running water making the space feel refreshing and causing you to forget the arid desert heat. A spiral staircase then leads up to the rooftop lounge, where you’ll find a fireplace and sweeping views of the desert, impossible to ignore. Going back to the entrance, this leads to the inner courtyard. Enclosed and shaded, while conveying the connection with local nature, this is a magnificent space for meals and family gatherings. This is also where a 75-ton stone, excavated from the site, serves as a work of art. The property’s living spaces are arranged in three complementary volumes in order to maximise comfort, efficiency and the environment. It contains a steel structure and stone walls, sliding walls of glass panels, 11.5 metres long by 3.9 metres high, which provide cross-ventilation and bring abundant sunlight into the interior, as well as offering panoramic views of the north and south façades. 

Fort 137 won the 2022 Architizer A+ award

Each space has been designed for quiet moments alone or spent together. The luxurious interiors are framed by travertine floors, stucco ceilings and vertical wood veneer panels, with the furniture and artwork providing warmth. Stone, wood and brass can be seen in every detail, including the custom interior door handles and cabinets. 
The design studio was responsible for every detail, from the architecture to the design, from the furniture to the accessories. The studio sought to create a rock-like structure, similar to the forts built by the early settlers. But it was a major challenge. Architect Daniel Joseph Chenin had to incorporate various design strategies into the project as a way of offsetting the house’s carbon footprint, which is why he included photovoltaic panels, thermal mass and underfloor heating. Another sustainable aspect was to include reconstituted wood veneer, derived from the by-product and waste of a sawmill, as well as locally sourced materials, repurposed rocks and earth. In addition, materials such as aged steel, hot-rolled steel and travertine were chosen so that when the desert sands dare to ‘fly’, they will easily slide off. 
There is no shortage of accolades for this innovative project. In 2022, it won the Architizer A+ award. And the truth is that the studio responsible for this distinctive and innovative project has once again delivered uniqueness, a thorough approach and a timeless design.