Realtor: It’s Not a Mirage! Spectacular Starburst House Waits to Bloom in the Desert

Monday, August 20, 2018

It’s Not a Mirage! Spectacular Starburst House Waits to Bloom in the Desert

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The Mojave Desert attracts artists and celebrities looking for a pure, pristine, and private environment in the middle of a desolate landscape. But you don’t have to be a star to take part in this desert migration— you simply need vision, deep pockets, and appreciation for beauty. Behold the Starburst.

This remarkable (and yet unbuilt) home has been designed and commissioned from London-based Whitaker Studios. All that remains for it to become a reality is for a buyer to plunk down $2.35 million and have the patience to wait for it.

This unique shipping container home, plus the 22.5 acres it sits on, recently appeared on the market—and it’s not a mirage.

Exterior

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But first, the backstory. A little over a year ago, a pair of film producers (and architectural aficionados) commissioned architect James Whitaker to design this starburst-shaped home, made with shipping containers bursting out in all directions from a central point.

It was slated to be part of a compound of experimental design structures on their hundred-acre property just outside Joshua Tree National Park.

But after building a larger, 5,500-square-foot cantilevered home, they decided the Starburst would be too small for their needs. So they carved out 22.5 acres from their parcel and are marketing the land as the ideal setting for the proposed three-bedroom, two-bath, 2,100-square-foot container home.

Bedroom

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Construction can begin as soon as the ink is dry and a new buyer decides where to place it on the land, explains co-listing agent Guy Reid of Engel & Volkers. There are several homesites on the property. Some are elevated, which would offer views, while others are in valleys, which would ensure more privacy.

One homesite option

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Either way, the home is designed to take optimal advantage of light and views from all directions. As sketched out, the interiors will be simple with concrete flooring, white walls, and minimal furnishings.

Living room

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Dining area

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According to the agent, outdoor decks, solar panels on the roof of a structure covering the parking area, and a spa tub will likely be incorporated into the plan.

The containers will be cut to specification, then welded together.

Whitaker, the architect, told CNN, “There’s been a lot of care taken in aligning the internal halls of the containers, so when you go into the house at the start of the weekend and nobody else is there yet, you can have all the bedroom doors open and enjoy standing in the middle and looking out into the desert.”