# Self-Sufficient Desert Retreats The Sawmill House is a Luxe Sustainable Structure in Tehachapi By Madison Mackay | Published 2018-07-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sawmill-house References: [uncrate](https://uncrate.com/tehachapi-sawmill-house/) & [olsonkundig](https://www.olsonkundig.com/projects/sawmill-canyon-retreat/) Taking a modern and refreshing approach to [desert home design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-desert-home), Olson Kundia created the Sawmill House -- an [off-grid home](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nest-cabin) that was made entirely from sustainable materials. The structure was inspired by a classic campsite by featuring three large wings that are all arranged around a fireplace in the center of the home. The main living area acts as the heart of the home with oversized windows and comfortable furniture to allow all guests a luxurious retreat that looks out onto the vast landscapes. The wall of windows can be opened completely for a [pavilion that merges indoor/outdoor living](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-solai). All of the salvaged materials make up a unique rugged facade that is stylish and has the ability to protect the interior contents from the harsh climate. Acting as a completely self-sufficient space, the Sawmill House looks as though it blends directly into the Tehachapi Desert. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 98% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Home Design:** Opportunity for innovative designs that prioritize environmental sustainability - **Off-grid Living:** Potential for developing self-sufficient systems and technologies for remote living - **Indoor/outdoor Fusion:** Space for creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity to incorporate sustainable materials and construction practices into building design - **Renewable Energy:** Potential for developing off-grid energy solutions for remote and sustainable living - **Furniture and Interior Design:** Space for creating furniture and decor that optimize indoor/outdoor living experiences ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Off-Grid Minimal Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fremont-house.md) - [Desert Landscape Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juniper-hill-home.md) - [Shape‑shifting Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-offgrid-house.md) - [Sustainable Off-Grid Remote Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daria-sheina.md) - [Alpine River Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/howqua-river-lodge.md) - [Nature-Rooted Family Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haus-am-lagnesberg.md) - [Forest Retreat Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oculus.md) - [Sustainable Canopy Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-solai.md) - [Desert-Nestled Home Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-desert-home.md)