High Desert Cabins

Joshua Tree / Yucca Valley Region, California, USA

A micro-home prototype for the high desert—designed to make Living Building Challenge principles attainable, scalable, and desirable for a new generation of off-grid living, hospitality, and creative retreat experiences.

Conceived for the rugged beauty of California’s Mojave High Desert near Joshua Tree, this adaptable collection of net-zero-ready modular homes reimagines the future of small-scale living and hospitality. Designed as customizable retreats, STR investments, artist compounds, and off-grid wellness escapes, the prototype demonstrates how regenerative design can deliver long-term value, operational resilience, and unforgettable guest experiences—without sacrificing beauty, flexibility, or attainability.

Prototype Development Study

Architecture, Regenerative Design, Modular Housing Strategy, Product Development, Hospitality Design

  • Living Building Challenge Ready
  • Net-Zero Energy Ready

Joshua Tree / Yucca Valley Region, California, USA

750 SF – 1,500+ SF Configurations

Concept Prototype

Mojave Desert / North American Deserts

  • Residential
  • Hospitality
  • STR
  • Wellness Retreat
  • Modular Housing

Extreme desert climate, water scarcity, wildfire resilience, attainability, modular scalability, off-grid performance

    • McLennan Design Studio

    “These homes were designed to prove that regenerative living doesn’t have to feel experimental or exclusive. It can feel aspirational, attainable, and deeply desirable.”

    Built to Belong

    Designed as a flexible modular system, the High Desert Cabins adapt to the land, climate, and rhythms of each site rather than imposing a fixed solution. Compact core cabins can grow through carefully integrated accessory spaces—guest rooms, studios, wellness spaces, and gathering areas—allowing each project to evolve around the needs of its people and place.

    From quiet desert retreats to clustered hospitality compounds and regenerative communities, the system balances flexibility, simplicity, and a deep connection to landscape.

    Let’s imagine what your site could become

    Every landscape holds its own logic, beauty, and potential. We work with clients to shape places that feel deeply connected to their setting while supporting long-term resilience, meaningful experience, and lasting value.

    From retreat destinations and hospitality environments to housing and regenerative communities, McLennan Design helps translate vision into architecture that performs thoughtfully over time—for people, place, and the futures they help create.