House of shards: The incredible mirrored cabin in California desert that appears to be see-though All it took to turn a 70-year-old ramshackle wooden shelter in the California High Desert into an international art phenomenon was a few mirrors, colourful LED lights and a heaping portion of creativity. In mid-October, well-regarded artist Phillip K. Smith III arrived in Joshua Tree, California, to unveil his latest project called Lucid Stead: a mind-bending installation composed of reflecting panels, lights and custom electronic equipment mounted on a humble timber shack. Like the otherworldly lunar landscape, the art piece changed throughout the day. Desert fun-house: Artist Phillip K. Smith III created Lucid Stead in Joshua Tree, California: an installation composed of mirrored planks and LED lights mounted on a 70-year-old timber shack Invisibility cloak: By day, the cabin appeared partially transparent thanks to mirrors reflecting the sweeping vistas Metamorphosis: Like the otherworldly desert landscape, the art piece transformed throughout the day Deeper understanding: Smith said his work is about 'tapping into the quiet and the pace of change of the desert During daytime, the structure appeared ethereal and partially transparent thanks to strategically placed mirrors reflecting the sweeping vistas. By night, square and rectangular fields of color in red, green and blue filled the doors and windows "Lucid Stead is about tapping into the quiet and the pace of change of the desert," Smith said of his creation. When you slow down and align yourself with the desert, the project begins to unfold before you. It reveals that it is about light and shadow, reflected light, projected light, and change. The installation was initially planned as a two-day event for a few spectators. But thanks to word of mouth and fawning press coverage, it quickly turned into a must-see destination for some 400 arts lovers who traveled from as far as New York and Canada over two weekends in October to catch a glimpse of the incredible transparent house. Video courtesy of Royale Projects: Contemporary Art Phenomenon: The installation was planned as a two-day event for a few spectators. but it quickly turned into a destination for some 400 arts lovers Lucid Stead seen from the side on a bright day in Joshua Tree, California Fata morgana: The hut appeared as a mirage floating above the dessert thanks to sleek mirrored planks alternating with worn wooden ones The humble hut sits on five acres of sand dotted with shrubs surrounded by federal land, which Smith had purchased in 2004. Those fortunate enough to have seen Lucid Stead in person described the unique structure as a mirage that appeared to be floating above the desiccated desert ground thanks to sleek mirrored planks alternating with gnarly wooden ones. At night, the cabin's windows and doors lit up with LED lights controlled by a computer that gradually changed hues, transforming the appearance of the monochromatic, dull landscape into a vivid tapestry. Primary colors: At night, the cabin's windows and doors lit up with LED lights controlled by a computer that gradually changed hue Everything is illuminated: The harsh, dull, monochromatic landscape turned into a rainbow Native son: Smith grew up near Joshua Tree and believes that the desert is part of his artistic identity Smith, who is also an architect, has made a name for himself in the art world with large-scale public projects around the country. The creator of Lucid Stead, who is represented by the gallery Royale Projects in collaboration with Steve King Photo, grew up near Joshua Tree and told the Palm Springs Life that the desert landscape is part of his identity as an artist. According to Smith, unlike a painting hanging on a wall in a museum, his project requires commitment due to its remote location and calls upon the viewer to really participate and engage with the artwork and the surrounding landscape. Unique experience: Smith says his project takes commitment due to its remote location and requires the viewer to participate in the creative process Blink, and you've missed it: The change of the hues is so gradual that it is hard to pinpoint the exact moment when one color turns into another Fleeting moment of beauty: The ethereal installation opened October 12 and closed two weeks later