The Folly was recently completed, an attractive, rusty shelter that has found a place in the rugged desert landscape of Joshua Tree in California. The house is not connected to the grid and runs entirely on solar power. Noteworthy is one of the bedrooms where the ceiling has been removed. Visitors can thus fall asleep under the bare starry sky.
The Folly consists of two parts with a total floor area of about 80 square metres and rests on the remains of an old abandoned house. The steel facade takes on a natural patina in the desert environment. The two building parts have a joint veranda made of wood that incorporates a sunken bath and outdoor shower. The small building features the 'stargazing room'.
We climb the stairs to the top are rewarded with beautiful surroundings in which the bed plays a central role. Also located here are a dining area, a bio-ethanol fireplace and a fridge. The largest building section comprises a living/dining area with a sofa bed, kitchen and toilet. From the bathroom there are ample views over the desert. A staircase upstairs takes visitors to a loft bedroom with closet space and skylight.
The Folly gets all its energy from solar panels and is also equipped with a rain/waste water system. Lighting can be controlled and energy consumption monitored with iPhone or other iOS devices.
Cohesion Studio, which developed the Folly, is currently working on similar energy-neutral shelters in other parts of California. The Folly is currently available to rent via Airbnb.
