Oasis House in Israel by Philip Johnson and Alan Ritchie Architects

Oasis House in Israel by Philip Johnson and Alan Ritchie Architects
Growing out of the design for Johnson's own visitor pavilion (Da Monsta), the firm has done several projects that employ the unusual geometry seen in this project.

The fascination for warping, sculpting and twisting has been taken to a new level here.

Multiple pavilions of varying sizes create an overall ensemble.

Johnson has described this as a "village" in the desert.

This is most apt since the site is a desert landscape in Israel.

This approach to creating a substantial home -- breaking down rooms into individual pavilions -- is consistent with Johnson's own approach at the Glass House.

The architects want to create not only architecture, but a form of urbanism or landscape.

The relationship among the constituent parts is as much of interest as are the individual structures.

The pavilions will be directed toward a central reflecting pool, which will enhance the feeling of an oasis.

In addition to bedrooms, living space and other gathering areas, a separate synagogue will be included as well as tennis courts and a pool.