Pala Zion Is a Dreamy “Architectural Gallery” in Utah

Pala Zion, an innovative residential development, unites renowned architectural firms Studio Andrew Trotter, GOMA, Morq and Taller Hector Barroso to create a unique community situated in the footsteps of Utah’s Zion National Park. This architectural gallery comprises 22 individually designed private homes, each ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet on a rugged 35-acre plot.

Pala Zion offers an ideal lifestyle for reflection, disconnection and community, with all homes having access to the forthcoming Paréa landscape hotel facilities and amenities. Designed by Studio Andrew Trotter, the Paréa landscape hotel includes restaurants, a wellness center, a spa and various activity spaces.

The homes, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding terrain, feature seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, private courtyards, kitchens, swimming pools, small spas with saunas and baths as well as open-air sunroofs utilizing natural light and local stone.

Renowned for its focus on simplicity and site-specific designs, Studio Andrew Trotter meticulously adapted the architectural plans for Pala Zion to the seasonal climate changes of Kolob Canyons. The studio ingeniously incorporated overhangs and oriented the buildings to prevent the summer sun from penetrating the interiors, keeping its properties cool, while ensuring coziness and warmth during winter.

GOMA Taller de Arquitectura, a Mexico-based firm with over a decade of experience, is recognized for its innovative approach to architectural and construction projects. For Pala Zion, the firm designed six panoramic houses and one corner solution, emphasizing a strong connection with the natural landscape. These houses feature a floating cover that stands 1.8 meters above the ground, allowing sunlight to enter in the winter while providing shade during the hot season. The design is influenced by a blend of cultural and architectural inspirations, including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sufjan Stevens, Louis Kahn, Luis Barragán, Álvaro Siza as well as pre-Hispanic and vernacular architecture.

Notable for its projects that harmonize with natural landscapes, Mexico-based architecture studio Taller Hector Barroso crafts a home that embodies a “quiet in the woods” mood for the Pala Zion project. With a focus on integrating buildings seamlessly with their environments, the studio frequently utilizes local natural resources, such as vegetation, soil composition and geographical features to create unique architectural solutions. The studio’s vision for Pala Zion prioritizes orientation, cross-ventilation and materiality to ensure a comfortable atmosphere year-round, drawing inspiration from Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows and Andrei Tarkovsky’s films. 

As for the Italian architecture firm, MORQ, the studio’s design intends to enhance the connection between inhabitants and the Utah landscape —  emphasizing views, harmony with the terrain, an intimate yet open atmosphere and a balance between typological and site-specific design.

Pala Zion’s listed properties showcase a commitment to innovative design and harmonizing with the majestic desert landscape. The site is conveniently located about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas and a 6.5-hour drive from Los Angeles. Owners of the residences have the option to rent their homes and receive comprehensive management services from the hotel. For inquiries about Pala Zion, visit its official website.