On building one's own dream home as an 8-year desert odyssey

Fresh out of architecture school, Aaron wanted to test out his belief that with proper orientation and materials, he could build a home, even in the desert, without AC or heating. Land in Joshua Tree was inexpensive and relatively unencumbered by codes so after purchasing a lot, he was without the funds to construct his modern, passive solar design, so he began to build it all alone.
"When I got into it, I knew I was very particular, but I guess I didn't realize how much my expectations differed from typical contractors so I ended up building the whole place myself from driving the dozer, to excavate, to setting up the formwork, pouring the concrete whatever, the cabinetry, the wiring, the everything."
After eight years without contractors, sub-contractors or even daily helpers (except for 2 or 3 days "to lift a heavy beam" or the like), Aaron now owned a modern glass, concrete and stone home that worked with nature and passive solar design principles to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Nearly all glass on the south side, and earth-bermed on the north, inside, the home is constructed with high thermal mass materials (concrete and stone) which trap the sun's heat in winter and hold the night's cool during summer days.

[@hadjiperis]

This guy is a legend. He built everything on his own. The technical knowledge and experience you need to even start something like that on your own...omg.

[@TheKruze88]

naw he had help!

[@juanquintana4908]

You want to know the truth, he went to any Home Depot or Lowe's and picked up a few Mexicans all this work was made by Mexican hands and he is getting all the credit, low cheap Mexican workers did all of this he just sat down in that white chair waiting for the Mexican Workers to finish, One person can't do all that work not even in 8 years but he thinks we can believe that.

[@georgezgreek]

Are you that gullible ?

[@GTSN38]

If I had the money I could build a way better house than him.

[@georgezgreek]

@@GTSN38 SAME HERE !

[@sonalkumararya7561]

Having completed my 5 yr. degree program in 7yrs., watching this only makes me question like what am I, where do I even stand holding my degree in hand. Here is a person who has constructed a whole house in the middle of a desert by himself, starting from surveying, doing the excavation to pouring concrete, doing the interiors, furnishings...from 0 to absolutely 100%. I couldn't care less that the pouring was slightly off from expectation over the fire-place. and all I know here is probably how to pull some lines on CAD softwares or fill colours on a sheet of paper, the shear audacity that I would call myself an architect. Like always, great video Kirsten. Legendary work by Aaron in my opinion.

[@bobg.3206]

Sonal, give yourself some credit. That is a heck of a path that many people don't understand. As an architect, you will manage every part of a project. You have to understand all the disciplines including other design professionals. One of the first things you have to realize standing there with that degree in your hand is that you don't know very much. That is the purpose of internships and it is good that you express the humility that you have. It takes time. All good things do. You have invested a lot in yourself, but you have really just begun. This guy was messing with structures when he was a kid. He had some advantages a lot of people don't ever get. Do you have an internship lined up yet? If you don't and it doesn't mess with your professional track, spend a year working for a contractor. Go learn how to build and see how things are done. That will help you understand building systems and help you avoid designing things that can't be built effectively, affordable, or at all. It will also open you to other realities about your profession. You might find that you would like to do design/build. You may find that you don't like residential and that you want to stick with commercial or vice versa. You will learn why a lot of contractors hate architects and what practices you can avoid. You could also start to build a clientele because you can design things builders can actually build. You don't have to call yourself an architect yet. Take on that mantle when you feel like you are worthy of it.

[@sonalkumararya7561]

@@bobg.3206 Motivating words Bob. Couldn't appreciate them more. Though I do have 24 weeks of internship experience as a part of my curriculum, but I understand that's just the beginning. Post completion of the bachelor's program I decided to take a year break before I dive into the profession. Though normally I'd say I did that to work on my new portfolio, but I'll also add that a major reason behind it was that I was mentally disoriented after 7 years of seemingly going nowhere and tbh, feeling a little worthless, so I wanted to clear up some head space. I should add that your explanation does help me here to look at things from a different perspective and appreciate my decision in retrospect. I must say that I have liked architecture, and thankfully nothing has affected that outlook of mine thus far. So once again, thank you Bob. :)

[@aremedyproject9569]

Sonal Kumar Arya Education is valuable yes. Experience, as you see here, is priceless. You’ll get the later by default so don’t worry as that’s like paying interest on a debt you don’t owe. BTW: think of an “error” like his wall as a feature! 😃👍🇨🇦

[@hobson3724]

Hey. I am the exactly opposite of your situation. I spent 2 years working on 800 square feet two storey house. I learned everything on my own, asked people alot question and advice, and made alot mistake along the way. From excavation, foundation to trimming, you name it. I have learned alot, it has given me confidence to build another one better and faster. But yet, I still wish I had stayed in school and finish a degree related to physic or architecture. Because I believe knowing the rule of the game makes you a better player a more creative player. Hope you feel better after reading this .

[@madhuganesh9460]

It always nice to have a good mix of people who are understanding/knowledge biased vs action biased. Don't be hard on yourself. I do have a question you may know answer to: If a climate is hot and humid throughout the year, does it make sense to berm the south side, block all or most light and leave the windows facing north? I am talking climates where the coldest afternoon is 75F / 24c

[@gramirez72]

This house is incredible, it's just WRIGHT for the site. ...and his undergrad was in classical guitar...?!?! People like him should be celebrated. Crazy gifted. Thank you for featuring this house and this extraordinary archtitect/musician/artist/craftsman.

[@rogeronslow1498]

A formal education is overated.

[@jeffk464]

Plus you you don't have to worry about wildfires.

[@760bjc]

@Tom Jones Who fucking cares... That place is beautiful... And he built it himself...

[@goodliving2171]

Roger Onslow You are over rated, LOL! Seriously, some schooling is over rated,. They can do a much better job of teaching and making it interesting for sure. The education worked out very well in this case, building a house and having the good career.

[@goodliving2171]

Tom Jones This is a weekend home, or vacation home. It doesn't look like he lives there. WOW, YOU ARE A PERSON WHO ASSUMES A WHOLE LOT!

[@asianwoof]

It truly is amazing how few architects/designers ever have the stubbornness/drive to design/build their own home. Congratulations on this wonderful job.

[@brendajohnson6910]

"The site will tell you what you need to know." Best advice out there for building a home! Love this desert home!!

[@Hunter-id2ze]

I love how when he talks about his home you can see his mind working and his explanations flow so well. Truly a work of passion.

[@georgeb2590]

I had no money so.....I went to Home Depot and repurposed! Great design sense. Very calming space. One of my favorites.

[@sallysassa]

What talent. A pioneer who can do everything - a real survivor. Another great video thank you, Kirsten.

[@jonothandoeser]

Seems like this house should be transplanted to Palm Springs for some reason

[@PD-we8vf]

Jonothan Doezer yea his lisp.

[@douglaserwinbrandt181]

Not a pioneer, just putting knowledge learned by others over 100 years ago. Take a look at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert homes from the early and mid 1950's. Or any other good architect's work for centuries.

[@allegrosotto2126]

I spent years living out in the desert, and yes, it's harsh and beautiful. My life there would have been so much better had I a house designed in this manner. Love what he's done.

[@barnstar2077]

Just finished watching the whole video, this guy really is insanely talented.

[@deezynar]

The house is a great take on the Wright inspired houses from the '40's and '50's. He did a great job, it looks fantastic. He said he spent time at Arco Santi, a place designed by one of Wright's students, so this guy's proclivity for Wright's style is probably shown by that decision.

[@VarongTangkitphithakphon]

OK, That's why I kinda feel similar that the design is somewhere between modern and oldies.

[@deezynar]

@@justthink5854 I never heard that Paolo Soleri was a con artist. I think it's safe to say that has a narcissist like Wright, and his daughter claimed he tried to rape her, but I've never heard that he was a con man. Anyone with half a brain would realize that his ideas for cities could not be translated into real cities. And if anyone gave him money to that end, or tied their wagon onto that dream, they were just fools. That could be viewed as a con, I suppose, but con artists usually pack up and leave after getting the money. Soleri stayed right where he was and if anyone was upset about giving him money, they knew where to find him. I think Soleri understood that his city ideas were not going to catch on, at least not in the next hundred years. But selling a dream is not illegal as long as everyone knows that that is all it is. People probably figured the Arco Santi project would set an example that would catch on, and they believed in the concept so much that they were willing to support it. I think they were fools, but not fools in a bad way, just idealistic.

[@deezynar]

@@justthink5854 Your assessment of him is spot on, a huge egotist, but your conclusion is off. He was a capitalist and more people than you might imagine paid him the $500 to have the privilege of being a laborer for him for a couple months. It was not a con, it was people responding to a romantic idea out of their own free will. He did not promise them anything in return for their time and money except that he would pour forth more of his great wisdom on them while they were there. For those who thought he had great wisdom to pour forth, it was a deal. For you and I, it was a joke. Wright had Taliesin, which did almost the same thing. That's where Soleri got the idea from. Wright put his students to work drafting his architectural projects, laboring on building projects at the campuses, and working on the farm. His students kept Wright afloat, in addition to his rich patrons who had to wrestle him into a modicum of financial responsibility. Doesn't Gehry charge interns to labor for him? I think there are others who do the same. When you have hundreds of people applying you can not only be picky, you can actually make them pay.

[@deezynar]

@@justthink5854 Ponzi promised high financial returns on investments. Soleri never promised anything. As for Wright, there is no doubt that he had a gift for visualizing 3D space better than almost anyone else. He used that to form spaces that are more dynamic than typical spaces before him. If you have read The Fellowship, you know what a nut his last wife was, and how arrogant he was. I have books on the work of many of Wrights students. As much as I admire his work, and credit him with significantly influencing architecture, I actually prefer his students' work to his. They generally have more charm.

[@deezynar]

@@justthink5854 I took the tour of Taliesin West, which did not include Wright's personal quarters which are probably the best areas there. The drafting room is also good, but we were not allowed to enter that space either. My impression was positive, but I also understood that the place was built on the cheap, and before many building codes. It would be hard to imitate it today. I think that is the extent of my physical visits to his works. Fallingwater doesn't fire me up. I think he did a huge disservice to his client by locating it over the waterfall, and not downstream from it with a view of it. He was considered a 'has been' by that point in his life and he designed it to get him publicity. He expected that photos of the house with the falls below it would be a certain hit with the magazines, and he was spot on. The construction costs are a huge embarrassment too. I think that both of those issues are why he hired Neutra to design his Palm Springs house. I would tour it if I ever got near it, but my prejudices don't allow me to view it as a great work. I prefer his Usonian houses most of all, but I have never been in any of them.

[@ParadoxKismet]

This house is gorgeous. I love the slate. There is nothing wrong with the "flawed" concrete wall. It adds personality. Considering your environment is a must in the desert.

[@badapple65]

This is in the Top 10 for me out of every video on this channel. I absolutely love the FLW nod. I love the imperfections in the fireplace feature wall! It adds character.

[@CarolGasses]

I prefer the imperfect concrete. It provides an “aged” character. Love it!

[@ChazEvansdale]

I was working on high quality wood designs in the past. I saw what looked like imperfections in the wood while quality checking. I asked if they were okay. The person training me said there were people like you that saw it as a feature, not an imperfection. :)

[@toucansteve]

There is no "perfect" concrete anywhere. That being said a "structural" finish distracts from the intended effect or it would not have been mentioned.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

He likely entertains ideas of surfaces to give it a finished look. He likely also many ideas to finish the raw concrete exterior.

[@stevemorelli1451]

Carol Gasses ....hi Carol..😊😊

[@skrome1953]

I believe the Japanese use the term wabi-sabi to describe imperfect beauty. I also didn't mind the concrete walls but really liked the mottling of the black countertop.

[@yarrlegap6940]

Brilliant. Aaron's also managed to show his talent as an architect in addition to all his other skills. A real genius.

[@tomardans4258]

Thank you for pointing out the resemblance between desert and coral reef. I’ve noticed that for many years. I pointed it out to my biology professor, and he just looked at me blankly.

[@Paid2Win]

I fail to see the similarities.

[@harrison298]

I love the comparison of passive solar home design to sailboats. Both take advantage of a renewable energy source in the most direct way possible, whether it's for heating the home or moving a sailboat. No transmission or conversion losses or batteries or wires. It's definitely an under-appreciated way to think about solar and wind.

[@Cobecentral]

Such an amazing place and wonderful story. So glad you found this person and his piece of solitude in the desert.

[@kimberlyarmstrong4641]

Absolutely unreal! Wow!! Just fricking beautiful! Wow! He’s a genius! My favorite type of house is indoor/outdoor living and obviously weather plays a part so this is top 5 of all homes I’ve ever seen. 😊❤

[@ericbarnett6771]

Not a big deal, but that is an AC compressor in the front of the house, so he's not completely without artificial cooling. Also, the construction photos show a heated concrete floor being installed, which heats radiantly using hot water.

[@OH8STN]

Excellent home. The passion he put into it and continues to get out of it is amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@debbieboring3422]

Smart use of the layout in the sun. I looks very nice and it is great he loves what he has done. I could maybe build the table in 8 years ok most like less. But never a house. Great job Aaron.

[@backyardjunkie]

Fabulous effort, love the isolation you spoke of, what joy. Very well done mate. Love it.

[@kyotokat8543]

Love it. Clean lines but cozy. Great use of space. And the craftsmanship is awesome.

[@andrejhanzekovic5300]

This is beautiful. And I love the way owner is explaining everything.

[@Finn-McCool]

As a furniture maker myself I applaud your tenacity and stick-to-it-ivness!

[@joaopauloarthur]

That's awesome! I love how well designed and built his house is, he managed to create a light and comfy structure in the middle of the desert. I wouldn't expect that at all, congrats!

[@seld6019]

I really enjoyed this/The homeowner and his beautiful home. Most interesting person I have seen in a long time.

[@mrvisual2482]

D'Innocenzo - that last name really fits this guy. Awesome house, incredible effort and stamina.

[@0HARE]

What an absolutely beautiful, well designed, and functional house. My favorite detail is the slate shingles on the walls. They add a touch of earthiness to otherwise drab concrete surfaces. Thanks for another great video. I really enjoyed it.

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

*Nice house for his retirement.* It's a dream for many people.

[@blueman5924]

Wow ! Well done for a self build ! Your design and execution is so beautiful. Love it !

[@thehappyhandler827]

wow what a talented human

[@jonothandoeser]

Yes, but almost all of his passive solar concepts come from Michael Reynolds Earthship design. His design is less efficient that the Earthship but uses some of the innovation. This house is really a hybrid between warship and stick house.

[@nicolelove2501]

This guy is a Genius! The detail about the construction....and the position of the house. He both Designed, and Built/Constructed --- doing all of the labor by himself. And such a cool home, indeed! 💙💚💙💚👍

[@jonothandoeser]

It's mostly Earthship technology.

[@mizpappas]

This is one of my favorite stories... and this house is incredible.

[@CSDonohue11]

This home is beautiful. It blends perfectly with the landscape. He did an amazing job.

[@DriverDude100]

This house is beautiful, and its construction is a major accomplishement.

[@evitasdad]

I LOVE the design, what a very clever Man. A fabulous house in an amazing settling Good Wishes from New Zealand.

[@ralphfink8515]

We love seeing your videos. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!

[@anartistlife1572]

Wow amazing and humble artist...I am so inspired by his work!

[@not2tees]

I wouldn't like it myself, but this is an interesting portrait of an unusual builder and the home he wanted to make. Appreciation for his hospitality! And for KD for showing us around "her" amazing world of unique dwellings.

[@sunyrodriguez]

Que proyecto tan bonito e ingenioso!! Admiro la inventiva del propietario!

[@hongshi8251]

Thank you Kirsten for the wonderful photography. I enjoy your channel because it gives me great inspirations for my future projects. I also enjoy all the odd ducks you interview with their wonderful stories and mannerisms that make this country so unique.

[@nmoko6123]

these vids keep getting better, thank you!

[@NEILPASSAGE]

Really great video one of your best, the only one I like better was one years ago in a south eastern town with a guy restoring a store in downtown and how that effort radiated out into the other downtown stores, really wonderful. Both individuals here and there were incredibly interesting. Thanks for this and that.

[@joemeyer6876]

You know we wanted to see inside the two car garage!

[@KinuGrove]

He must have a nice shop setup. Would liked to see it as well.

[@fjdkfdfjdf33]

That's actually the part of the house I didn't understand. Why bother with that? There is space outside. The doors detracted from the appearance and symmetry as well.

[@KinuGrove]

@@fjdkfdfjdf33 could be for security.

[@OrangeJackson]

@@fjdkfdfjdf33 Leaving cars out in the sun and dust is pretty hard on them, not the metal, but everything else.

[@jimkoral3824]

@@OrangeJackson I was thinking the same thing. He could easily build some sort of awning or cover to keep the sun off his vehicles.

[@rebeccamd7903]

I totally appreciate his mind and attitude!! What a beautiful outcome!!

[@drjethrowski1225]

Fricking amazing! What a chapter in a well-lived life...

[@LivingInAVan]

Fantastic video and a dream of mine as well.

[@ChazEvansdale]

I love passive solar designs. If I build a tiny/small house I'll employ them as much as possible, making the North side have limited windows, the South side more, then figure out the overhang needed for that part of the world. Fun Fact: The opposite window placement is needed for the Southern Hemisphere.

[@Danuxsy]

I don't get that fact part, what do you mean? In what way is the window needed??

[@hollygrosshans3529]

Love the thought process that went into this. Beautifully done. And the solitude - wonderful.

[@VintageTexas59]

Impressive house and very smart man figure everything out & build it. Thanks for sharing !

[@neil9768]

I could listen to this guy talk for hours.

[@user-sq1gk3fr4i]

He surely is interesting and informative.

[@ToddQuigley]

I came here to say just that! He seems a bit ADHD, but he is super well spoken and easy to listen to!

[@autumn007]

😂 I agree.

[@metalwellington]

he didn't mention the endless dust that settles on everything the moment you open a window or door.

[@srhintz]

Love it. Perfect. That slate inside and out is fantastic.

[@kimhorton6109]

Beautiful. I spent five years in Roswell and went back for high school. The desert is a very familiar place but I’ve never felt comfortable there. To build a home in such a place is amazing. It’s a beautiful home with amazing management built in. Good job. Thank you for sharing.

[@colinkelley6493]

Architects and computer programmers make decisions people have to live with. The devil is in the details. I love how he sighted it, the way he did the driveway and parking, the slate shingles, the slab floor, the concrete kitchen countertop, the way he did the plumbing, the entryway, the hall, just about everything. I would have put in an efficient wood burning (with glass window) heater, not a fire place. But the fireplace is a nice statement. The pool is really interesting. I think he pool can, at some point, evolve some. I am not saying anything negative but I think there is more to be learned from it. I studied architecture at a great university but was not allowed to finish due to a failing marriage, failing finances, and the responsibility of being a single dad. But I still have dreams for building my own house. Anyway, we had a complex project in a design class and I came up with a thing I called "Kelley's Law": "The vaster and more complex a problem is, the more you have to climb up to a higher level of elegant simplicity to solve it." I am impressed with Aaron's "elegant simplicity" here. It is a nice, very liveable space.

[@arleneg6040]

Our dreams wait for us. Never give up. Build your home with you are ready!

[@77Tadams]

we have concrete countertops. We had some color put on it to make it more gray instead of green. One of us put a hot lid off of a pot directly on the surface and it sucked the color out a little and now there is a circle there....but I just put a bowl of fruit there all the time or a cutting board....lol. It is a funny blemish. Oh well!

[@ghostbeetle2950]

Utterly beautiful! Absolute mad lad! Thanks for sharing.

[@ignazs.5816]

Simply, truly a beautiful home. Everything looks close to perfect. I can't even put up a shelf without it seeming as if an amateur installed it. Admirable!

[@barnstar2077]

Love how frank this guy is : )

[@atomicwedgie8176]

I thought he was Aaron?

[@barnstar2077]

@@atomicwedgie8176 - Haha, can't tell if you are joking or not, Merry Christmas! : )

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@barnstar2077 Imma a goofball...Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kathrynb4683]

Barn Star I'd put money on him being from Buffalo, NY. We're all like that. We are all at home here and want all our visitors to feel that way. Why put up pretenses, right?

[@atomicwedgie8176]

@@kathrynb4683 Wrong, north central Iowa...-30/40F windchill tonight...yay!

[@smoothuncut]

Nice location if you like extreme heat and chewing sand 24/7 365! Give me a 4 season climate wear i can incorporate the pool halfway inside the home and remove or put on layers to be comfortable in or out of the dwelling! BTW Great Material Choices!

[@Miguel-he7bj]

You underestimate the beauty of the desert. Especially in the winter.

[@RebeccaAnnSinkula]

I lived in Joshua Tree for two years and it is, indeed, a harsh environment. This home is so beautiful and so well done. I love it. Bravo. Great job. Enjoy it...you more than deserve to. :)

[@WillN2Go1]

Absolutely wonderful, Aaron. Just a terrific house. I've been in the area and can't begin to imagine a more ideal design for the Joshua Tree area. The flaws are completely inconsequential. If they bother you, go on a long trip somewhere, a few months. It'll be a reset. When you return you'll only be amazed at how wonderful your house is.

[@nessuno7510]

it must be interesting to live in a desert.I am watching this from Hungary.nice house.

[@davejohnson7432]

I wouldn't like it...imagine the snakes and scorpions

[@atomicwedgie8176]

I lived there for 19 months on the Marine Corps base...don't miss it one bit.

[@gonefishing3644]

This is a good passive solar design, but I believe you will still need air conditioning for the hottest part of the summer. In the Mojave desert where I live, the outdoor temperature in July and August can be 110"F during the day and will only drop down to 98"F by 3 am. Even a house that is partially earth bermed/underground likely will need some sort of air conditioning part of the year for anyone who does not like sleeping in a room that is above 85"F.

[@angelob9465]

I'd like to convert an old mine into a livable space.

[@gonefishing3644]

@ Maybe you get used to high heat and no air conditioning. But lots of the rest of us never do.

[@khm2128]

@Linda, this is the High Desert. Not as hot as Palm Springs. The best location, imo, in the Joshua Tree area, is actually on Yucca Mesa, just adjacent, on the edge of Yucca Valley.

[@BruceSeesall]

Amazing....what a wonderful life.Thanks for sharing.

[@aslansalive]

This guy is a nut. A wonderful, brilliant nut. Just my type of person :) Mr. D'Innocenzo, your thinking is superb. Your attention to detail fantastic. And like any true craftsman, you see room for small improvements or places where you may have gone another route, but your finished project still stands strongly as it is right now. That bit at 19:55 about being "to a fault optimistic" and underestimating the amount of time a project will take gave me a good chuckle. So spot on. When you have a vision in your head and are unwilling to compromise when things become complicated or difficult, timelines get stretched--such is the path often walked by a perfectionist. That home has so much attention, so much focus put into it...may it be enjoyed by yourself, friends and family for many years to come!

[@prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998]

I want him to build my next house! This is truly an amazing story! It is almost ZEN, perfection in simplicity, it has purpose and consequently inert beauty! I would add solar panels on the roof, and a TESLA power-pack to store energy. And of course he needs a TESLA EV!

[@jayneweber5510]

I want him to build it for me too!!! I would like a half bath added for when guest come, other than that this is my dream home!!! It's absolutely PERFECT!!!

[@MrDanayr16]

concrete polisher and epoxy will make that fireplace wall bangin

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

Yeah, a pretty simple fix. But since it's just aesthetics he probably doesn't care.

[@bernadettetibazi9969]

Awesome!! The house is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@crazywisdom2]

This might be ... one of the most Amazing Houses I have ever seen ! Breathtaking !

[@anastasiakakoulidou-karama4569]

Wow, perfect! Congrats!

[@eca2641]

What a fantastic and beautiful mind. How incredible that he was able to move through this existence and become engulfed and saturated by so many things that intrigued and moved him. And to a point that, for so much of his time thus far, those things were extracted and pressed from his own fingers... What an epic flow of mind. Marvelous. And so brilliantly basically inspiring. He honestly makes it all seem so doable... Which it is for so many more of us than those of us that believe it. Love it!!

[@zanaahmedi2333]

thank you Kirsten for sharing this with us, Aaron is a true mastermind! :) and this house is revolutionary

[@scottanson7524]

Very cool ... fits right in & looks very livable... thanks for the look

[@VarongTangkitphithakphon]

How many people today could have a chance to build their own house? I'm so jealous

[@justinsorg2663]

Kirsten: I have several questions, but first can you tell me about the house? Dude: Takes deep breathe

[@saikrishnaarch]

Great job guys.. crisp documentation and editing.. kudos to the architect

[@shaunhall960]

I love all the people you have on your channel! So much creativity and empathy for the world.

[@peem1244]

Maybe, just maybe, the neighbors '...crappy house...' was deliberately rotated that way to minimise solar gain. We'll never know because no one asked. And as someone else has already asked...why no solar panels?

[@pauldavisthefirst]

It's in a place where you want/need solar gain in the winter and do not want it in the summer. You woudn't try to "maximise summer gain" (and by corollary, minimise winter gain) unless you just weren't paying attention.

[@mamzersdream1]

@@justthink5854 "lol" is pedophile predator verbiage.

[@maxbouvatte]

U jealous elgordo

[@bentnickel7487]

It has a Frank Lloyd Wright feel to it, I like it.

[@johnarmstead1094]

Congratulations 💖💖💖💖

[@nana23boyz3]

I scrolled down to make the same comment. I think FLLW would approve.

[@kathrynb4683]

Bent Nickel definitely. He should mention his name. I'll bet he grew up in WNY where we have several FLW homes. Once you experience walking, sitting, relaxing inside you never ever forget it. It affects your very being.

[@FerminCoronel]

More like Eichler

[@tommynikon2283]

It's a Wright knock-off; really.

[@Silvertestrun]

Thanks for the help Aaron. Wonderful video Kirsten

[@KordTaylor]

Wow! Thank you for this video.

[@natalieluders378]

I get the feeling he actually dosnt live in this house anymore I think the biggest give away was him opening up the closet and there being no clothes in side also too was the big how to list above the hvac board on the wall uuummm air bnb

[@stevengee4562]

I get the feeling theres a funny smel of bull,to achieve all this on your own?...iv been building from foundation to final paint and let me tell you on your own with this kind of detailed finish?..mmm i dont believe any of it

[@tomardans4258]

I would have guessed the vee shaped roof was to harvest rainwater. You only get five inches a year, but it’s something.

[@r.blakehole932]

Tom Ardans I was really wondering about that roof line as well. In a gully washer rain, which the American deserts get occasionally, he is having ALL the rain channel to the chimney which is at the low point of his roof! I'm betting rain penetration problems there in the not to distant future. This guy is enormously talented but I would have appreciated some practical questions from Kirsten on this subject. Maybe this guy figured out some genius idea to avoid this water penetration problem around the fireplace but, I seriously question it. Throughout human history fireplace chimney penetrations of roofs have always been at the high points of roofs for good reason. But, overall, very interesting.

[@r.blakehole932]

OK, I take that back, that low area penetration is not the chimney. I don't know what it is. Skylight with a cover? Still rain channeling to that area is a problem.

[@pat36a]

I think it has to do with air circulation. Inside ceilings follow the roof lines.

[@laura7381]

I am blown away with the awesome skill you have .your home is beautiful I hope you enjoy your home to the fullest!!!!

[@ceceliabarker2763]

What an accomplishment. He is. amazing. The colors are perfect. Love the slate.

[@khavafis]

Build a solar passive but with a pool, in the middle of the desert, very Californian. I'm impressed.

[@andersfuchs9209]

So freagging sustainable yes!

[@WANDERER0070]

You forgot to ask the most Important question: where does he get water from? I think the swiming pool would be better inside the house to prevent evaporation.. Also with so much Sunshine why not put solar panels on the roof?

[@goodliving2171]

s3xyScorp If the Architect-Builder had built the house large enough for the pool, it might keep too much humidity in the house. It would have been much more expensive for all the materials and much more time to build. I find it much more enjoyable to swim outside.

[@donfocus5361]

Dust particles,insects,reptiles or birds pooping over it the water is brought by the tanker,,unless there is water underrground

[@kernowrock555]

I'm absolutely blown away! Not just by this beautiful , well thought out home...but this man Aaron who is amazingly multi-skilled !! Wow...!

[@DaBiggBosz]

Profound. Best desert house video ever. And Aaron is pure joy to listen to.

[@Anchoress1]

Very nice video. Great ideas. Where is water source?

[@walterdavis4808]

Yea i thinking the same thing

[@hatsuharuboi]

As I understood, this house is not off grid...

[@jonothandoeser]

Nobody has a swimming pool in a desert off grid. Not a complaint, just saying.

[@hatsuharuboi]

@@jonothandoeser Althought is a desert, he has a lot of neighbors, and he mentions digging trenches to get electricity and points to a pole on the street/road. Generally, if power is provided, so is water... And Phoenix is in the middle of the desert and have lots of pools... just to add to your point!

[@jonothandoeser]

@@hatsuharuboi Agreed. On-grid a pool works. Off-grid, you would be using a year's supply of collected rain water just to swim in!

[@user-bp4dm4ef3i]

Well done. Building cost? Permit process? Water source? Certificate of occupancy?

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

What's a "Certificate of occupancy"?

[@jplaw2508]

@@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO Approval by the local building department to occupy a structure that has met all required codes and inspections.

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

@@jplaw2508 - Is that a British or European thing? Not aware of such a document or certification in the states (though it may exist) and I have gone through the permitting process to add structures to my property.

[@allamenglish4191]

Thanks Kristen. I really value what you are doing.

[@SuAndFox]

I love the 'flaw' of the concrete wall. It's part of the home's story, like a beautiful birth mark. Love!

[@YourComputerBlog]

Nice looking house but I dont get why he doesnt have any solar panels for electricity generation?

[@kirstendirksen]

He has solar thermal for hot water. And he uses that as radiant floor heating for the extra cold winter days/nights.

[@vondahe]

Dimitriy He also didn’t make the concrete or the windows. If he could afford to take 8 years out of his calendar, he could afford the solar panels. They’re not that expensive.

[@vondahe]

Kirsten Dirksen That doesn’t address the question raised here. He still needs power for his lamps, appliances, tv, pumps, etc.

[@WTFvictor]

@@quotidianlight at around 13:08 they start discussing it. He's connected to a regular powerline. 13:50

[@oceandrew]

@@vondahe He's got buried powerlines coming in from the local utility. See 13:10 in the video.

[@toucansteve]

This house seems to belong in its environment. Well designed comfortable space for a couple. Does it have an air handling system? Poor concrete craftsmanship. It is not as easy to achieve a decorative finish as to construct a sound structural system. The use of form liners such as plexiglass can be successfully utilized however the seams are challenging. There is now vertical concrete polishing and penetrating sealer with stain can provide a myriad of design choices. A good job for a fixed budget and limited crew. Nice job.

[@philrazzi7782]

I absolutely love this house. Incredible. Great design and a lot of thought went into it.

[@AJ-ox8xy]

This guy knew what he was doing. I am from Arizona and my family has been building houses here for about 25 years of which I have been apart for only 5 years. We angle the house the exact same way when it comes to minimizing sun exposure during summer and maximizing it during winter.