Modernism Week: Sunrise Lanai, Palm Springs
Described originally as “a miracle in the desert” the Sunrise Lanai compound is a hidden oasis off a busy main road in Palm Springs. Built by the Alexander Construction Company in 1963, and designed by Charles DuBois (with his other Swiss-Miss style homes dotted around other neighbourhoods) the Sunrise Lanai collection of homes is a cross between Polynesian Tiki huts and Swiss Chalets.
The condos are placed around the central pool, looking inwards, out onto the unfenced open pool area. Since the Sunrise Lanai was built in a time before council and safety restrictions in regards to pool safety, modern regulations don’t apply - meaning the unfenced pool is allowed! The incredible views of the condos, the palms and the snow capped mountains when you’re lounging pool side is textbook pure Palm Springs dreamland.
The shaded lanai is the main feature (and the inspiration for the name ‘Sunrise Lanai’) across from the pool (a lanai is a patio or open-sided living area), very fashionable during the 1950s and 1960s – not just for shade and sun protection, but also as a focus for socialising around the pool.
Visit the Modernism Week website for more information and tickets possibly available during February. The Sunrise Lanai compound is private property and closed for viewing ordinarily.
