How the Sunset Idea House blends design, durability, and desert-ready performance in Palm Springs.

Desert Palisades Gatehouse
The gatehouse at Desert Palisades, site of Sunset's newest Idea House. Photo by Lance Gerber, courtesy of Marc Sanders.

At Sunset’s Palm Springs Idea House, where cutting-edge design meets the timeless beauty of the desert, Trex is redefining outdoor living. As the foundational material for a one-of-a-kind courtyard and patio, Trex® composite decking seamlessly enhances a Wexler home’s striking architecture, blending innovative technology with the enduring sophistication of a mid-century icon. We’re taking a behind-the-scenes look at how design, durability, and sustainable style came together to create a unique desert sanctuary. And how the materials used prove to be the mindful, forward-thinking choice—built to withstand the elements while delivering sustainable style anywhere in the West.

Designed for Desert Living

Transcend® Lineage® composite decking in Biscayne features realistic wood grain.

Located in the Desert Palisades community, in the heart of Palm Springs where the sun beats relentlessly, Trex®’s composite decking proves to be the ideal material for outdoor living. With its SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology, the boards reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, keeping the surface cooler* underfoot, even during peak heat. This feature extends the home’s living space, creating a stylish and functional outdoor oasis perfect for relaxing and entertaining. Thanks to its resistance to fading and warping from harsh sunlight, this decking choice withstands the extreme desert conditions. Whether sun-soaked or cooled by desert evenings, the space remains inviting and comfortable year-round.

Entertainment Elevated

Trex Signature X-Series Cable Railing
Signature® X-Series™ Cable Rail.


This home isn’t just designed for desert living; it’s built for seamless entertaining. Trex’s Signature® X-Series™ Cable Rail adds sleek, minimalist lines while maintaining unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. The black railing and stainless steel cables complement the home’s mid-century modern aesthetic, providing safety without disrupting sightlines. Integrated recessed lighting adds ambiance, creating a welcoming atmosphere as the sun sets. For a modern touch, the decking is flush-installed with concrete and brick hardscaping, ensuring a smooth, striking transition between materials. 

Mid-Century Meets Modern Sensibility

Trex L-Shaped Deck with Signature X-Series Cable Railing and Transcend Lineage Composite Decking
Transcend® Lineage® composite decking and Signature® X-Series™ Cable Rail are a sleek, modern combo.

Blending the past with the present was essential for this Wexler-inspired home. The design team selected Transcend® Lineage® composite decking in Biscayne, an on-trend light brown shade that complements the home’s bold, clean lines and timeless monochromatic palette. The tranquil color and refined wood grain pattern evoke traditional wood’s warmth, while the composite material ensures the durability needed to withstand the harsh desert climate.

The innovative decking technology seamlessly frames the pool, integrates with native plants, and enhances natural elements, perfectly marrying mid-century modern aesthetics with the practical demands of desert living. This modern, sustainable solution brings both beauty and function, proving that durability and design can coexist effortlessly.

Sustainability Without Sacrifice

Trex Deck with Signature X-Series Cable Railing and Transcend Lineage Composite Decking

Trex’s commitment to sustainability is integral to the creation of stunning outdoor spaces. With decking made from up to 95% recycled materials, the brand is the largest recycler of plastic film in the U.S., turning plastic film and reclaimed wood into high-performance, eco-friendly decking. This dedication to reducing landfill waste aligns seamlessly with the eco-conscious values of the Sunset Idea House.

At the Sunset Idea House, innovation meets tradition, showcasing how these cutting-edge materials can transform any outdoor space into an oasis—whether you’re in the desert of Palm Springs or the coastal shores of the Pacific Northwest. With a blend of durability, sustainability, and style, this home proves that the best design solutions are as timeless as the landscapes they’re built to withstand. 

*Our SunComfortable™ products with heat-mitigating technology are designed to be cooler than most other composite decking products of a similar color. Although engineered to be more comfortable, they can still get hot to the touch when direct sunlight and high temperatures converge for extended periods of time. On such days, care should be taken.