Swooping Bighorn Clubhouse 'a tableau for a new lifestyle experience'
by Kim Megson | 22 Feb 2018
The leader of a Californian golf club claims to “have walked through the threshold of the future” by overseeing the construction of a luxurious new Clubhouse that provides a “tableau for a new lifestyle experience.”
R D. Hubbard, chair of the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, said the site's former clubhouse was torn down in 2016 in order to be replaced by a building “that is as much about living, playing, and entertaining as it is about enjoying a spectacular game of golf.”
Overlooking the golf course, the mountains beyond and the valley floor 1,000ft (305m) below, the dramatic 80,000sq ft (7,400sq m) structure is home to four unique penthouses, a series of indoor/outdoor dining venues, male and female locker rooms, wide terraces and bar and games areas.
Architecture studio Swaback were tasked with setting a new standard for clubhouse design and environment by creating a contemporary, “forward-looking” building. Working with the Lusardi Construction Company, Blackbird Interiors and Guy Dreier Designs, they have created a swooping and stretching structure formed of stone, metal and floor-to-ceiling glass – supported by two million pounds of structural steel, one million pounds of rebar, and 95,000 cubic feet of concrete.
Interior and exterior walls are formed of travertine rock imported from Portugal and the expansive floor is made from Peruvian limestone. Bespoke furniture and fittings fill the extravagant interiors, including a 16ft long chandelier of hand blown glass leaves.
“The Clubhouse is built on curves,” said Carl Cardinalli, Bighorn president. “One can assess that there are very few right angles to be found throughout the entire building. Visually there is a striking acknowledgement that the radial patterning reflects the signature Bighorn sheep’s valiant horns.”
Swaback’s John Sather added: “The design is anything but ordinary. We wanted to embrace the character of the surroundings and create an awe-inspiring design that moves the building forward, celebrating the panoramic mountain and down-valley views.
“We have created a seamless blend of indoor/outdoor living that occurs within an organic arc that welcomes you into the space, almost embracing you into the relaxed, fun, utopian lifestyle.
“There are elements of sophistication and organic materials, but it’s their inviting warmth and design that embrace members and their families and make them feel like they are home. This new gathering place blurs the lines of art and architecture.”
According to reports, the cost of the project was US$70m (€56.8m, £50m).
The Bighorn Golf Club campus also includes a Spa & Wellness Center, a steak house, a luxury car gallery, tennis courts and a children’s play park.
Bighorn Golf Club California Palm Desert Swaback Partners John Sather R D Hubbard
The leader of a Californian golf club claims to “have walked through the threshold of the future” by overseeing the construction of a luxurious new Clubhouse that provides a “tableau for a new lifestyle experience.” R D. Hubbard, chair of the Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, said the site's former clubhouse was torn down in 2016 in order to be replaced by a building “that is as much about
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