Designed to accommodate the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce and a variety of community groups, the Henderson Community Building is a striking example of natural architecture in the desert. Completed in 2009 and designed by Patel Architecture, the 5,700-square-foot building has earned LEED Silver certification.

The unique geometric façade was designed to work with the climate in Palm Desert, Calif. A massive thermally insulated concrete wall system combined with lightweight fabrics are juxtaposed between contrasting elements like steel and glass structures. All concrete wall surfaces of the Henderson Community Building are exposed — a design intended to showcase the honest form, structure and skeleton of the building, according to Patel Architecture. Trimmed like a sail on a yacht, fins and sails serve to lessen the effects of wind, sun and rain on the façade and add a transparent layer to the building.

Most interior surfaces are also natural or unfinished, including polished concrete floors and bamboo-faced casework. Solar photovoltaic panels, passive environmental controls and creative roof design elements also contribute to a more-efficient structure.

The Henderson Community Building team included principal architect Narendra Patel, project architect Allan Leclaire, LEED consultant Heather Beck and general contractor Steton Construction. For more information, visit patelarchitecture.com.