The Rondolino Residence in Nevada is a prototype for a modular pre-fab home
![The Rondolino Residence is a prefab prototype](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sxZz8fwd2H7dF8cjDVv3eQ-415-80.jpg)
Pre-fab continues to push all the right buttons for the consumer-minded architectural connoisseur. The big setback of bespoke modernism – its hefty price tag – has never been overcome, however, despite the Modern Movement's relentless extolling of the virtues of industrial production. Up until now, genuine pre-fab modern has been pretty thin on the ground, quite literally, as prototypes come and go. But the hunger remains, so with each innovation it seems as though the original dream edges ever closer.
Like many modular homes before it, the Rondolino Residence is a prototype. Developed by Peter Strzebniok and Kelly Ishida Sloan of San Francisco based Nottoscale architects, it began life as the T-modulome, first mooted back in 2002.
In the eight years since we last listened in on its story, Sloan and Strzebniok have honed the design, partly as a result of getting their first major client – Italian writer Fabrizio Rondolino – who owns a plot in Nevada, not far from Death Valley. Barren and bleak, and only accessible across the rough desert scrub, its prospects didn't appear great. As Strzebniok notes, the nearest neighbour is a brothel some seven miles away.
The crossbar of the T houses the living space, kitchen and study, while the long module contains three bedrooms
Enter the modulome. Everything – water supply, septic system, electrical infrastructure – had to be created from scratch before the two bespoke modules that make up the Rondolino Residence were put in place atop their concrete plinth. Raised up above the scrub, the house has stunning views across this completely empty landscape.
Planned in a 'T' shape, using two standard modules, the three-bedroom house sits atop a large deck, complete with hot tub. The crossbar of the T houses the living space, kitchen and study, while the long module contains three bedrooms. The simplicity of the modulome concept translated admirably to the desert context, with floor to ceiling windows carefully arranged to frame the best views. And for a high desert home with only occasional use, the Residence is necessarily light on services – with no air con, for example.
A study with a view at the Rondolino Residence in Nevada
Remarkably, although perhaps appropriately given the pre-fab's off-the-shelf underpinnings, the design and construction was a rather detached process. Rondolino found the studio via the web and all contact, from start to finish, was conducted via email. The writer and his wife are aficionados of the American desert, but having bought the plot, they were content to let Strzebniok design, plan and even furnish the house himself; he even went so far as to equip the kitchen and make up the beds for the clients' first visit.
‘We are amazed about the trust that the client has placed in us without ever meeting us nor speaking to us, which is why we did everything within our power to not disappoint him,’ says Strzebniok.
Pre-fab undoubtedly helped push this virtual way of working forward, but that kind of client trust is rare. Nevertheless, the German-born architect is keen to broaden his horizons. The next T-modulome might not grace such a spectacular site, but here's hoping its progress is just as smooth.
The design and construction of the house was a rather detached process. Rondolino found the studio via the web and all contact, from start to finish, was conducted via email
Planned in a 'T' shape, using two standard modules, the three-bedroom house sits atop a large deck, complete with hot tub
'We are amazed about the trust that the client has placed in us without ever meeting us nor speaking to us,' says Strzebniok, 'which is why we did everything within our power to not disappoint him'
The simplicity of the modulome concept translated admirably to the desert context, with floor to ceiling windows carefully arranged to frame the best views
In the eight years since we last listened in on its story, Sloan and Strzebniok have honed its design, partly as a result of getting their first major client - Italian writer Fabrizio Rondolino - who owns this bleak, barren and fairly inaccessible plot in Nevada, not far from Death Valley
The Italian writer and his wife are aficionados of the American desert, but having bought the plot they were content to let Strzebniok design, plan and even furnish the house himself; he even went so far as to equip the kitchen and make up the beds for the clients' first visit
For a high desert home with only occasional use, the Residence is necessarily light on services – with no air con, for example
Everything – water supply, septic system, electrical infrastructure - had to be created from scratch before the two bespoke modules that make up the Rondolino Residence were put in place atop their concrete plinth. Raised up above the scrub, the house has stunning views across this completely empty landscape
One of the house's three bedrooms
A small window in the bathroom frames the view
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Nottoscale Architects website
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
IM Pei's Everson Museum of Art gets a modern makeover
The East Wing of the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY has been given a contemporary refresh by emerging Los Angeles studio MILLIØNS
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Black Modernism’s lesser-known, at-risk architecture gems gain a lifeline
Conserving Black Modernism announces vital funding to save and preserve overlooked and endangered buildings by African American architects and designers
By Bridget Downing Published
-
Step into the Blanton Museum of Art's reimagined public realm by Snøhetta in Austin
Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas is completed and reveals its reimagined public realm and plaza designed by Snøhetta
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This New York Townhouse renovation is a lesson in contemporary minimalism
TenBerke’s carefully considered New York townhouse is the reimagining of a century-old Manhattan structure that reframes vertical living
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Visit The Frost House, a lesser-known modernist architecture marvel in Michigan City
The Frost House is a lesser-known midcentury architecture gem in Michigan City, Indiana; we took the tour as the property goes on the market
By Audrey Henderson Published
-
Broadway designer Scott Pask’s Arizona retreat is a scene-stealing discovery
Scott Pask invites us inside his Arizona retreat, nestled in the foothills overlooking Tucson – a place to reboot, recharge and commune with nature
By Michael Webb Published
-
Upstate New York retreat Ridge House evokes land art
Ridge House in upstate New York, the work of Brooklyn-based studio Worrell Yeung, is at one with the surrounding countryside
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Rafael de Cárdenas’ first ground-up project is a forever home with waterfront views and hidden treasures
Rafael de Cárdenas reveals his latest completed project in the Pacific Northwest, a family home of calming spaces that bleed the outside in, and ten years in the making
By Ellie Stathaki Published