Remember the beginnings of this remarkable rural rebuild from last year? It may be rather hard to forget: 4.5 million recycled 747 plane parts (or: 400,000 pounds of airplane) were transported by truck and helicopter, then turned into a unique desert dwelling – a feat finally completed last month.

First the plane was sliced into major sections, then moved by the best means possible to its destination – a hilltop location in Malibu surrounded by sparse rolling landscapes, perfect for wing-shaped roof forms.

Designed by David Hertz Architects, the new buildings (a main and guest residence pair) use the wings, stabilizers and more to enclose and shape spaces.

An art studio employs a 50-foot length of fuselage as its roof, while guest quarters use the first class cabin deck and other odds and ends, fitting in where they can.

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More from the architects

“Inspired by the remote hills of this Malibu property, David Hertz Architects wanted to come up with a design for this home that allow for unobstructed views of the beautiful mountain ranges surrounding the site. With the architects’ goal of incorporating found objects into their design and the homeowner’s vision of a floating, curved roof, the idea of using airplane wings as roof material surfaced. After conducting more research, it was decided that airplane wings would be ideal for maximizing the views from the home.”

“By incorporating many of the existent retaining walls, the architects were able to keep the multi-level structure and minimize any additional impact to the existing topography and landscape. The home has rammed-earth walls that were cut into the hillside as well as strong concrete walls to support the roof. Simple steel brace frames allow the roof to ‘float’ above the rest of the structure, while self-supporting glass walls give the homeowner spectacular views overlooking the city of Malibu.”

The post Recycled 747 ‘Wing House’ Has Finally Landed in the Desert first appeared on Dornob.