Architect Steven Harris Unveils His Extraordinary Underground Porsche Collection

Renowned architect Steven Harris has revealed his passion for Porsche, culminating in a unique underground garage designed to house his impressive collection. Located in Rancho Mirage, California, his home was built around the concept of a subterranean sanctuary for his cherished vehicles, reflecting his minimalist and functional design philosophy.

Key Takeaways

• Steven Harris, a prominent architect, built his home around an underground garage to house his extensive Porsche collection.

• The collection features around 20 high-performance Porsche models, including rare 356 Carrera variants and 911 models.

• Harris's architectural style emphasizes utility and elegance, mirroring his approach to collecting and appreciating Porsches.

• He actively drives his cars, participating in rallies and using them for daily commutes, viewing himself as a caretaker rather than just an owner.

A Home Built Around a Passion

Steven Harris's striking home in Rancho Mirage, characterized by its flat roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows, is more than just an architectural statement; it's a testament to his lifelong passion for Porsche. The need for adequate storage for his growing car collection prompted the design of a new residence, with the primary focus being a vast, subterranean garage. This innovative approach ensures his collection of approximately 20 high-performance Porsches, ranging from early 356 Carreras to the latest 911 S/T, is both securely housed and easily accessible.

The Genesis of an Obsession

Harris's fascination with Porsche began in childhood, sparked by his uncle's 356. This early exposure evolved into a deep-seated obsession, further fueled by his father's 1967 911 S during his university years. After pursuing studies in philosophy and fine art, Harris dedicated himself to architecture, lecturing for nearly five decades, including a significant tenure at Yale University. It was only decades later, as his architectural practice flourished, that he began to systematically build his significant Porsche collection.

A Curated Collection of Performance

Today, Harris's collection boasts over 50 cars, predominantly lightweight, competition-focused variants of the 356 and 911. Notable examples include the 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7, the 911 Carrera RS (964), a rare 1974 911 Carrera RS 3.0, and various GT2 and GT3 RS models. This selection reflects Harris's appreciation for vehicles built with a clear, uncompromising purpose, a principle that also defines his architectural work. He values utility and precision, finding parallels in Porsche's gradual yet precise evolution and its minimalist design.

Functionality and the Joy of Driving

The underground garage is meticulously designed for functionality, allowing each car to be accessed without moving others. A unique elevator system, permitted by local regulations, lowers cars from the limited ground-level bays to the subterranean space. Harris emphasizes that it's a garage, not a museum, and he actively uses his cars. He frequently drives them on scenic routes, participates in official road events, and has even completed grueling rallies like the Peking to Paris. For Harris, driving his Porsches is an integral part of his life, and he sees himself as a custodian, preserving these automotive treasures for the future.