A monolithic, new off-grid destination has popped up in the unlikeliest of places. On a clearing in California’s High Desert Region, between Joshua Tree and the Mojave National Preserve, Folly Mojave is surrounded by miles of rippling arid hinterland. A new offering by the off-grid holiday specialist Folly, it sits on 200 acres of remote rocky terrain, its golden surfaces blending with the sun-baked earth.

Designed by architect Malek Alqadi for off-grid solitude, the structure is formed of simple board-form concrete walls with minimal charred-wood accents and fittings of natural blackened steel. Alqadi was inspired by the cultural history and geometry of ancient temples and the long desert views. He maximised the access to California’s big sky with a series of retractable canvas roofs and stargazing portals, and used the unlimited height for an impressive verticality.

The clean lines follow pure function over form, achieved with locally sourced materials in natural, earthy tones. Open-plan and open to the elements, the property encourages indoor-outdoor living and full immersion in the wilderness. The undulating horizon and big sky can be seen from every corner. A long, thin lap pool echoes the geometry of the hard-edged design.

With king beds for four people, the new Wonder Valley property can be booked through the Folly website. A local concierge team is assigned to the building to help with bespoke experiences and in-house dining.

Read next: In the Berkshires, an Episcopal church is reborn as a creative retreat

The Potlatch Club takes you back to 1960s Bahamas