Project: Fort 137 Residence
Architecture: Daniel Joseph Chenin
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Stetson Ybarra, Daniel Joseph Chenin, Stephen Morgan
Set against the striking desert landscape of the Las Vegas Valley, Fort 137 Residence by Daniel Joseph Chenin embodies a seamless blend of modern architecture and natural harmony. Commissioned for a family that values outdoor exploration and active living, the home balances warmth, durability, and contemporary elegance. Each design element responds to the rugged environment while creating a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility.
Architecture Inspired by Desert Heritage
The defining feature of Fort 137 Residence is its impressive entry rotunda — a 28-foot-high conical structure that pays homage to the early fortifications once scattered across the desert. Acting as both an architectural focal point and environmental buffer, the rotunda transitions visitors from the intense desert heat to the cool interior. The sound of flowing water from a lower-level stone fountain adds a sensory layer to the experience, evoking a desert oasis.
A winding staircase within the rotunda leads to a rooftop lounge, complete with a firepit and sweeping views of the surrounding terrain. This elevated retreat encourages moments of reflection and reconnection with the vast desert horizon.
A Dialogue Between Indoors and Outdoors
Fort 137 Residence unfolds as a fluid conversation between interior comfort and exterior openness. After the rotunda, visitors enter a shaded courtyard that blurs the boundaries between built form and landscape. Here, family gatherings take place beside a dramatic 75-ton boulder excavated directly from the site — a tangible link between the home and its environment.
Two north-south flanking walls protect the residence from harsh elements while defining its spatial order. Between these walls, the open-plan living and dining areas flow effortlessly, connecting with the kitchen, office, and theater room. Beyond them, private zones — including bedrooms and guest suites — offer intimacy and calm.
Design That Balances Form and Function
The spatial composition of Fort 137 Residence consists of three interlocking volumes. Within its steel frame and stone walls, sliding glass panels measuring 38 feet long by 13 feet high invite expansive views of the desert from both the north and south facades. These movable walls allow natural cross-ventilation and soft daylight to fill the interior, ensuring comfort while minimizing mechanical dependence.
The central living area transitions smoothly into private quarters designed for serenity. Travertine floors, stucco ceilings, and reconstituted wood veneer panels create a refined yet grounded palette. Throughout the interior, custom craftsmanship — from stone and brass details to intricate cabinetry and door handles — expresses a quiet sense of luxury rooted in texture and tactility.
Sustainability Embedded in Every Element
From its conception, Fort 137 Residence was designed with sustainability at its core. Photovoltaic panels, radiant heating, and passive cooling strategies work together to reduce reliance on the grid. Thermal mass and ballast roofing stabilize interior temperatures naturally, ensuring year-round comfort with minimal environmental impact.
Moreover, the material palette reinforces the project’s ecological ethos. Reconstituted wood veneers were created from sawmill byproducts, while locally sourced stone, earth, and repurposed rocks were used throughout construction. Durable materials such as weathered steel, hot-rolled steel, and travertine were chosen for their ability to age gracefully, blending over time with the surrounding desert sands.
A Modern Fortress in Harmony with Nature
Ultimately, Fort 137 Residence by Daniel Joseph Chenin stands as a model of contemporary desert living — bold, efficient, and deeply connected to place. The design captures both the spirit of the landscape and the needs of a modern family, offering a retreat where architecture and environment exist in perfect balance.
