A Home in Vegas, Fit for the Rat Pack

Ascaya’s first residence is now complete.

The upscale development overlooking the Las Vegas Strip is now home to a sleek new structure that takes its midcentury modern cues from the age of the Rat Pack.

Sure, Sinatra, Dino and Sammie would be happy in the home designed by hospitality specialists at SB Architecture. Who wouldn’t be? These architects are packing hotel amenities into a private residence.

“There are residential design synergies where people are going to resorts and want to bring them back to their homes,” says Matt Page, lead designer on the $7.95 million home. “They want to take it away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas to a place come and relax and get away from it all.”

SB Architects is one of six firms chosen by Hong Kong billionaire Henry Cheng to design “inspiration homes” for the Ascaya development, carved out of the foothills of the McCullough mountain range outside Las Vegas. Other firms include Richard Meier & Partners and Lake Flato. A total of 313 lots are available in the development, sited 1,000 feet above the valley floor.

Here, the half-acre lot steps down the mountain on its west side. The view of the Strip is to the north so the architects created a number of glass elements – including a 45-foot-long glass slider looking out to Strip. A large roof plane, with overhang for shading and a clerestory on the south side provide sun screening. “We created a lot of passive strategies to protect the owners from the Las Vegas heat,” he says. “The north side opens out to the views.”

The home’s outdoor spaces – the dining room and kitchen are covered to provide plenty of shade. “You’d be in board shorts or a bikini in warm weather,” he says.

And the roof deck over the entertainment area offers an outdoor fireplace with views of the Strip and the surrounding mountains. ”You don’t have the night light impact of Las Vegas proper, so you can see all the stars,” he says. “This home takes advantage of all the natural elements, plus the views.”

As Mr. Martin once sang: “Ain’t that a kick in the head!”

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