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Restored Architectural Gem by Albert Frey Unveiled in Palm Springs

Dating to 1931, the groundbreaking all-metal Aluminaire House was once considered the future of American home design

By Geoffrey Montes
Modern two-story building with glass facade surrounded by palm trees and mountains in a sunny desert landscape.
Albert Frey’s famous Aluminaire House on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo: Guillaume Goureau/Courtesy of Palm Springs Art Museum

A pioneering architect credited as the godfather of desert modernism, Swiss-born Albert Frey made his mark on Southern California starting in the 1930s after working under Le Corbusier. On March 23, Frey’s Aluminaire House made its comeback at the Palm Springs Art Museum, after spending years disassembled in storage. Encompassing just 1,100 square feet, the compact 1931 residence was the first all-metal dwelling in the U.S.—proof that good things can come in small packages.

See more photos below. 

Modern two-story metal building with palm trees in desert setting, featuring large windows and unique architecture design
The home was assembled in just ten days. Photo: Guillaume Goureau, courtesy of Palm Springs Art Museum
Modern two-story aluminum house with large windows surrounded by palm trees and mountains under a clear blue sky.
The Palm Springs Art Museum has unveiled the reconstructed Aluminaire House. Photo: Guillaume Goureau, courtesy of Palm Springs Art Museum