Joshua Tree Residence
California
James Whitaker
DESIGNER: James Whitaker BUILDER: James Whitaker BUILD DATE: 27th Sep 2017
LOCATION: California, United States PHOTO CREDITS: James Whitaker RATING: 4 Stars
High in the desert fringes of Joshua Tree, an extraordinary project by Whitaker Studio takes shipping container architecture to new heights—literally. Conceived as a three-bedroom retreat for a film producer on a dramatic rocky gully, Joshua Tree Residence unfurls like a starburst, with containers deployed in a dynamic radial layout reminiscent of a desert bloom.
The design traces back to an unrealized container-office concept in Germany. The client rediscovered the idea during an informal trip to the property, deciding to reimagine it into a home suited to the harsh climate and rugged beauty of the Mojave. The star‑like configuration is intentional: each container is individually angled for optimal views, daylight, and privacy. Anchored on concrete pilotis, the containers float above a natural storm‑driven gully, allowing water and wildlife to pass unimpeded.
Build Method
The 200 sq m (2,150 sq ft) home includes living, dining, kitchen, and three ensuite-bedroom wings, each housed within a shipping container. The central gathering space unites the arms, and decked outdoor areas—including a sheltered hot tub—extend the living environment into the desert terrain.
A detached garage clad in solar panels provides full off‑grid power. Interiors will feature crisp white surfaces, polished concrete floors, and custom Ron Arad furniture for a minimal yet refined aesthetic.
Structural engineering by AKT II ensures the stability of the cantilevered volumes and pilotis supports.
Sustainability & Experience
Solar‑Powered: Garage‑roof solar array to fully power the home .
Climate‑Smart Design: Elevated layout mitigates flood risk; white-painted surfaces reduce heat load .
Optimized Views: Each container’s orientation maximises sky, landscape, or rock formation exposure.
Interbode’s Take
Joshua Tree Residence is more than a house; it’s architectural storytelling in shipping containers. The starburst form is poetic—an eloquent response to wild landscape, light, and climate. We love how each container becomes a lens to a specific fragment of the desert, both spatially and experimentally. This design pushes modular living from novelty to nuance, blending aesthetics, site intelligence, and sustainability. A starburst of imagination in a minimalist desert drama.
JOSHUA TREE RESIDENCE DESIGNS
BUILD OR BUY
GUIDES
NEST Design & Build Plans
2 BED | 1 KIT | 1 BATH - Dimensions: W x D x H
NEST is a double unit 2X 20M (40ft) High Cube Shipping container design suitable for a small house/ holiday apartment use complete with regular kitchen and bathroom in both Grid and Off Grid configurations and with 1 Solar roof option.
Download detailed plans for NEST which include the following drawings in A3:
DRAWINGS SCHEDULES
PROJECT NOTES
FLOOR PLAN
REFLECTED CEILING
ROOF PLAN
ELEVATIONS
SECTIONS
INTERNAL ELEVATIONS
TYPICAL DETAILS
KITCHEN DRAWINGS
JOINERY DRAWINGS
BATHROOM DRAWINGS
ASSEMBLY DRAWINGS
WINDOW SCHEDULES
LIGHTING PLAN
POWER & SWITCHES PLAN
ELECTRICAL SCHEMATICS
FIXTURES & FINISHES SCHEDULE
Bespoke plans or amendments are also available from Interbode’s Design Studio. Contact Us: https://www.interbode.com
Notes:
Whilst detailed, this document is not for construction and is not intended to be compliant with all council or building regulations in your country or state. Prior to commencing build you should engage a suitable architect/drafts person and a qualified engineer.
All plans are copyright of Interbode Pty Ltd and Boxwood Construction Pty Ltd.