In this, our culture of strip malls, subdivisions, and otherwise over-development, there are very few places left completely, sublimely, untouched. Few spaces forged by nothing but time and weather, and perhaps the hand of god. Very few places left as they were before...us. But for those willing to wander a few hours south of SLC, that place exists--perfectly preserved in a fine, red dust. It's no secret that Southern Utah is home to a few wonders of the western world--Valley of the Gods, Dead Horse Point, Monument Valley. There's a wealth of natural beauty at our fingertips--sandstone skyscrapers and red rock coliseums--and so many reasons to make yourself acquainted with our sister cities to the south. In the interest of introductions, allow us to present to you two more (beautiful, original, and oh-so-inspiring) reasons.
Against a spansive backdrop of sagebrush and brick-red dust, set back from the one, lone highway, you'll find two starkly-striking structures. They're the work of DesignBuildBLUFF--an innovative organization that allows architecture students from the University of Utah the chance to design and build homes first-hand, typically for families in need. Branching out a bit from their usual order of operations, the group (headed by the incomparable José Galarza) designed and brought to life two enchantingly-modern cabins in a small town south of Bluff. It's called Mexican Hat, and it's home to the Navajo Nation's Mexican Water Chapter. José and DesignBuildBLUFF teamed with the Chapter heads to develop two contemporary cabins, with the idea in mind that "tourism dollars otherwise lost outside the boundaries of the reservation could rather stay and help encourage the local economy." And, for the record, "cabin" is a term used very loosely, here. A combination of reclaimed barn wood and weathered steel, the structures are a sublime mixture of organic vim and man-made vigor. Cool concrete floors, sinks, and counters are contrasted against the warmth of the interior walls and bedrooms, both clapped in salvaged timber, as well.
Inspired by the landscape, and oriented upon it according to the Navajo tradition of eastern entry, the cabins serve uninterrupted views while nearly-seamlessly blending with their surroundings. The sisters, dubbed Sunrise and Sunset, are stark, yet somehow, snug. Both are outfitted with their own identities, but act as two cohesive parts of a whole. Sunrise, the eastern-most cabin, features one large, sunken bed and a larger gathering space. Sunset, housing a bed, loft, and futon, can sleep up to six visitors. Both structures feature shaded, north-facing patios, and artfully-placed portal openings that showcase the vast desert that surrounds them (the Abajo or "Blue" Mountains to the north and picture-perfect Monument Valley to the east). Sand, light, and sky--the ever-changing elements envelope these solid, static structures in a warmly-juxtaposing embrace. The harsh lines of the two cabins are all that differentiate them from their ancient surroundings--in tone and texture, they fit as well as a stagnant cacti or a pile of sun-soaked bones.
Before the cabins were to be unleashed upon the general public, our small crew of six was invited to spend the weekend. There was not yet power. There was not yet running water. But with a few candles, good music, friends, and food, we easily made the best with less, and the result was a fantastic lesson in simplicity, sanctuary, and solitude. Apart as they are, the structures are still just a short distance to a few necessities. Nearly anything you need can be found down the road, in Bluff, including a surprisingly good barbecue spot (this far off the beaten path, one seldom expects to find more-than-decent eateries). For the adventuring type, the cabins are also near to Bear's Ears, Goosenecks State Park, Hovenweep, Monarch Cave, and 16 Rooms. The entire area is a veritable wonder land of wondrous lands, and the cabins are ideal for anyone looking to spend a bit of time away from the modern world. These beautifully-designed spaces exist as a scrap of mankind, surrounded by miles of ancient earth. This is the untamed west--the American wild--and it's breathtaking. Organic, unruly, utterly perfect.
For information on cabin rental, visit mexicanwater.
