A Modern Sustainable Oasis in Palm Springs

Located in the peaceful southern part of Palm Springs, Trinidad Circle offers a fresh take on the mid-century modern style that the area is famous for. This crescent-shaped single-family home, in a gated community, beautifully blends eco-friendly design with high-end living.

Beau Laughlin, a well-known Los Angeles developer and restaurateur, led the project. Laughlin, who recently remodeled the Michelin-starred Providence restaurant in Hollywood, bought the land with plans for a three-bedroom home by Studio AR+D

He expanded these plans to create a five-bedroom house, taking full advantage of the stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Laughlin focused on sustainability throughout the construction of Trinidad Circle. “I am proud to have designed and built a house that minimizes its environmental impact and contributes to a more sustainable future,” he said. 

The process included reusing rocks from the land for landscaping, using high-density eco-spray foam insulation to keep temperatures steady inside, and installing rooftop solar panels to cut energy use.

Even with the focus on local materials, the house does not lack luxury. The impressive front door, made by Cooper Reynolds Gross, combines white oak and brass with glass mesh to offer privacy while letting in light. 

Inside, Hemlock wood ceilings add a natural touch, and glass pocket doors open up to a saltwater pool surrounded by native desert plants.

Rachel Bullock from LAUN Studio partnered with Laughlin on the interior design. They were inspired by the home’s circular shape and the area’s traditional architecture. 

They chose stones from local yards and used them in the home’s design, especially in the kitchen’s quartz countertops and the bright, mid-century modern color scheme.

The furnishings blend works by Los Angeles designers with vintage pieces, like a Ligne Roset leather sofa and a 1970s Bellini marble dining table. These carefully chosen items enhance the home’s stylish and comfortable feel.

Trinidad Circle follows the traditional layout of desert homes, with three sections—the main living area, the master suite, and a guest house/garage—linked by glass corridors. 

This design makes sure all rooms have easy access to the central pool area, which helps cool the house and serves as a social hub. The living room’s floor-to-ceiling doors slide away to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, embodying the mid-century modern idea of blending buildings with their natural surroundings.

Photos by Lance Gerber