# Camouflaged Desert Compounds The 'Tucson Mountain Retreat' Blends Harmoniously with the Desert By Alexander Lam | Published 2013-06-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tucson-mountain-retreat References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/tucson-mountain-retreat-by-dust/) & [dustdb](http://www.dustdb.com/) Nested in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, the 'Tucson Mountain Retreat' [melds in with the sandy environment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-pastizal) to hide its modern interior. Built to have a low impact on the earth, the house was made with a eco-focus in mind. The compound's location was chosen to have the least impact on the environment while the house itself was built with [eco-friendly materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daria-sheina). Designed by architecture firm Dust, the retreat was made of rammed earth for maximum sustainability. In addition, the entire compound works as a rainwater harvesting system that can hold over 30,000 gallons. The design of the retreat itself is [beautifully minimalist and modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aip-azia-villa). Dynamic stone steps lead to a building with wide glass windows and a mono-color exterior. Within, the open space is elegantly lighted with a soft glow. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 78% | 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) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** The trend of designing buildings with eco-friendly materials and features opens up opportunities for companies to develop innovative sustainable construction techniques. - **Minimalist Design:** The growing interest in minimalist design provides an opportunity for businesses to create innovative and functional products that embrace simplicity and clean lines. - **Rainwater Harvesting:** The trend of incorporating rainwater harvesting systems into buildings presents opportunities for companies to develop innovative water storage and conservation solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can leverage the trend of eco-friendly architecture to create innovative and sustainable building designs. - **Interior Design:** Companies in the interior design industry can capitalize on the trend of minimalist design to offer innovative and stylish furniture and decor solutions. - **Water Management:** The water management industry can explore opportunities in the trend of rainwater harvesting by developing innovative systems and technologies for water storage and conservation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Desert Landscape Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/juniper-hill-home.md) - [Earthy Off-Grid Textural Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folly-mojave.md) - [Compact Urban Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stealth-house.md) - [Tinted Serene Desert Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-azzurra.md) - [Shape‑shifting Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-offgrid-house.md) - [Desert-Nestled Home Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-desert-home.md) - [Landscape-Overlooking Modern Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telescope-house.md) - [Comfortable Desert Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landing-house.md) - [Elevated Mountain Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-cadree-perche.md)