Client Brief:
The client purchased a 1980s home that had suffered years of damage, neglect, and unsympathetic alterations. The goal was to restore the house to its original form, enhance it where needed, and transform it to fit the client’s lifestyle. The homeowner, who travels extensively teaching campaign strategies worldwide, wanted a home that embraced indoor-outdoor living and reflected their global travels.
Location:
Located on a small lot in a historic district of central Phoenix, the challenge was to create unique, private outdoor living areas while maintaining the integrity of the original design.
Design Solution:
"Curves" focused on a full renovation and landscape redesign, emphasizing indoor-outdoor living. The main house’s redwood cladding, which defines its curved architecture, was removed, refinished, and waterproofed behind it while repairing the water damage that had occurred for 35 years. New flooring and strategically placed glass elements were introduced to enhance the original design, while steel accents were used to accent the loft stairway. Walls and features that diluted the original design intent were removed, bringing the home back to its 1980s roots. The landscape was reimagined with three distinct outdoor spaces: the front courtyard, the office courtyard, and the pool courtyard. In the front courtyard, lines of the house were extended using various types of gravel, creating planting areas for drought-tolerant plants and custom glass sculptures by a Chihuly apprentice, Ryan Blythe. A concrete bench offers seating that looks back toward the house, making it an ideal space for entertaining. The office courtyard features a water bubbler to quiet street noise and provide a tranquil spot for work breaks. The pool courtyard underwent significant changes, with the pool size reduced to create additional patio space and a steel stairway was added leading to a rooftop deck. French drains and planting areas were added to address flooding issues. The most dramatic transformation took place in the rear of the house, where a breezeway was created, and the former guesthouse was converted into a new primary suite. A 16-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall pocketing glass door opens the open plan primary suite, inspired by the clien'ts travels to hotels around the world, to the pool courtyard, embracing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Result:
"Curves" restored the 1980s gem, blending modern enhancements with the original design. The home embraces indoor-outdoor living, utilizing the entire lot to create unique spaces for entertaining and relaxation. The transformation of the guesthouse into a primary suite, coupled with the revitalized outdoor courtyards, provides the homeowner with a serene yet globally inspired retreat rooted in its Phoenix location.
