Shapeshifter, designed by OPA Architects, is deeply rooted in the character of the American desert, historically perceived as a barren frontier ideal for experimentation. OPA’s design philosophy harnesses this notion, treating the desert not only as a physical space but as an integral part of the cultural imagination. By conceptualizing the ground as a mutable, fluid material, the architecture naturally evolves from its environment, resulting in a structure that embodies the unpredictable and mercurial essence of its desert setting.
- Name: Shapeshifter
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 3
- Size: 6,176 sq. ft.
- Built: 2018
In the heart of Nevada’s sweeping desert landscapes, the Shapeshifter House emerges as a marvel of contemporary architecture designed by the renowned California firm, OPA (Ogrydziak Prillinger Architects). Crafted for two distinguished art collectors and dealers specializing in contemporary art and art of the American West, this three-story, residence is a dynamic response to the rugged environment and cultural narratives of the American West. Situated on a site overlooking Reno, the house’s design draws heavily on themes of experimentation and the mythos of the frontier, featuring a facade of slanted zinc-clad sections that merge seamlessly with the arid terrain.
The architecture of Shapeshifter House explores the concept of fluidity and adaptability, mirroring the mutable nature of the desert itself. OPA’s innovative approach treats the ground as a living canvas, sculpting the terrain into a series of anticlines, synclines, dunes, and blowouts. This reshaping culminates in a structure where no edge ends abruptly but flows into another, creating a continuous space without breaks. Internally, the house boasts fractured symmetries and local axes that slide into each other, forming a spatial experience as mercurial as the desert landscape. The integration of native plants and wildflowers further blurs the line between the built environment and its natural surroundings.
Functionally, Shapeshifter House is designed with sustainability at its core, serving as a high-performance passive structure that leverages its thick, insulated walls as a shield against the desert extremes. This eco-conscious design ensures comfortable living conditions through radiant heating and cooling systems, reflecting OPA’s commitment to ecological architecture. The layout includes a flowing living space on the ground level, a study and bedroom on the middle floor, and a master suite on the top floor that opens to a terrace with panoramic views of Reno and the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing a serene retreat that resonates deeply with the desert’s stark beauty and resilience.
- Architect: OPA Architects
- Contractor: Mike Doherty Construction
- Photography: Joe Fletcher
- Location: 879 Marsh Ave, Reno, NV, USA
