Engel & Völkers rents out the uniquely designed “Invisible House” in the California desert

Engel & Völkers is currently letting a property with an exceptional architectural design near the town of Joshua Tree in California, United States. It was envisaged and built by the Hollywood producer Chris Hanley. “The ‘Invisible House’, as it is known, has an entirely mirrored façade on all sides that makes it appear to disappear into the surrounding Mojave Desert,” says Raymond Dominguez, Sales Manager at Engel & Völkers Santa Monica, adding, “The spectacular location, the minimalist architecture and the exclusive amenities all make this property utterly unique.”

Architectural marvel set against unique desert backdrop

Set on a 90-acre plot of land in the heart of the Joshua Tree National Park, the Invisible House was built in 2019. It is now being let by Engel & Völkers for 150,000 US dollars (approx. 150,000 euros) per month. The exterior walls are made of mirrored and heat-reflecting Solarcool® glass, which offers a spectacular 360-degree view across the rocky and cactus-filled terrain of the Mojave Desert, while at the same time ensuring a pleasantly cool climate indoors.

This special type of reflective glass also creates the illusion that the house merges into its surroundings. Part of the building floats above the ground on concrete foundation pillars, in an effort to cause as little disturbance to the sensitive desert ecosystem as possible. The entire living area extends over one elongated level with a total interior space of around 577 square metres. The open plan living and dining area with a modern open plan kitchen forms the heart of the property, complete with a 30-metre solar-heated freshwater pool. At each end of the building there is a bathroom and three en suite bedrooms, also with fully glazed façades, some of which open up completely onto the desert landscape. “The unique minimalist design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, along with the materials used – concrete, steel and glass – create a fluid transition between the contemporary space and the natural surroundings,” says Raymond Dominguez.

Sought-after retreat for a host of US artists 

Designed by the Hollywood producer Chris Hanley, responsible for cult films including “American Psycho” and “The Virgin Suicides,” in collaboration with the architect Tomas Osinski, the property is rented out regularly to high-profile names from the music and film industries. “The property has proven popular as a place of inspiration for artists from a wide range of different industries. Its unique and secluded location, right in the middle of the desert, along with the exceptional space and lighting concept, with luxurious amenities on top, make it the ideal retreat to draw inspiration and produce output,” Raymond Dominguez reveals. Famous US artists including singer-songwriters Alicia Keys and Demi Lovato, DJ duo The Chainsmokers, heavy metal band Korn, Hollywood producer Sam Taylor-Johnson and actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson have all already leased the property for their creative projects. The Invisible House was also used as a location for the music video to the remix of “Save your Tears” by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, where it is featured in cartoon form.