Joshua Tree Boulder House is a Study in Stone and Steel

Blending in swimmingly with its surroundings, this shimmering home in San Bernadino, CA is an amalgam of natural rock, concrete and <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/patinaed">patinaed</a> corrugated <a href="http://www.recycle-steel.org/">steel</a>. Named the <a href="http://www.joshuatreeboulderhouse.com/index.php?p=floorplans">Joshua Tree Boulder House</a>, both because of its location on the edge of the national park and its appearance, the <a href="http://www.bestofremodeling.com/blog/latest-trends/joshua-tree-boulder-house">house</a> has faux boulder walls that pay homage to its environment while also keeping the living area shaded and cool. And if the naturally <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/daylighting">daylit</a> interior doesn't sell you, maybe the great room's ability to turn into an indoor/outdoor space (via a wall of retracting windows) will. And if you're still not sold, did we mention the charming green roof?

Designed by <a href="http://www.wgarettcarlson.com/">Garrett Carlson</a>, the house has a rustic feel that contrasts nicely with its modern amenities.

While the large boulders that make up the walls (which were erected by engineer <a href="http://web.userinstinct.com/6621668-hossein-zand-associates.htm">Hossein Zand</a>) are made of concrete, the inside of the home incorporates several natural rock and rock-like materials.

One concern about having boulders as walls was that <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/daylighting">daylighting</a> would be blocked in some areas of the house, but the designer incorporated a mirrored wall opposite from the kitchen's large windows, doubling the natural light and giving the illusion that both ends of the room have views of the immediate landscape.

The <a href="http://www.joshuatreeboulderhouse.com/">Boulder House</a>'s use of <a href="http://www.recycle-steel.org/">steel</a>, which is a largely recycled and recyclable material, is also noteworthy.

On the exterior, both corrugated and smooth steel is used to give the residence a look that is both modern and extremely unique.

Plus, the copper -colored patina that's developed on the cladding makes the house look like it was always a part of the natural landscape.

Inside, steel beams create an almost urban, industrial vibe.

The same beams add character to a wall of windows that opens up, making you lose consciousness of where the great room ends and where <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jotr/">Joshua Tree Park</a> begins.

And with a home this gorgeous, you'd want to protect it from the elements for sure - that's why the Joshua Tree Boulder House was designed to be able to withstand an <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/index.php?s=earthquake">earthquake</a> with a magnitude of 10.

The house even has a neat firepit in the yard.

A floorplan of the Boulder House.

The bathroom is very modern despite the home's rustic vibe.

A breathtaking view of the park at night.