Hive

Client Brief:

A family passionate about communal gatherings, shared meals, and seamless indoor-outdoor living approached us to design a home that fosters togetherness while offering privacy and flexibility for both family members and guests.

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Location:

Nestled on a secluded flag lot in Paradise Valley, Arizona, the property offers a serene retreat with close proximity to urban amenities. The unique six-sided lot, accessed via a narrow 300-foot-long driveway, presented design challenges due to its geometry and stringent zoning regulations.

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Design Solution:

Drawing inspiration from the classic American Ranch, known for its emphasis on sunshine and informal indoor-outdoor living, we crafted a modern interpretation tailored to contemporary needs. The home unfolds into the landscape, creating a welcoming courtyard that embraces both family and visitors upon arrival. A prominent gabled roof marks the entrance and main living area, while flat roofs maintain the low, linear profile characteristic of midcentury ranch homes, adhering to local zoning constraints.

Inside, the main living space offers uninterrupted views extending through the house to the outdoor patio, pool, and fire pit, reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior environments. Natural light and ventilation are prioritized, with cross-ventilated rooms like the office and kitchen flanking the central living area. A poured-in-place concrete fireplace anchors the great room, and pocketing glass doors dissolve the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The bedroom wing, distinct from the communal areas, ensures privacy for the family and includes a den, homework area, and a mudroom equipped with a dog wash.

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Result:

"Hive" stands as a national award-winning embodiment of the American Ranch house, reimagined for modern living. The design harmonizes communal spaces with private retreats, abundant natural light, and flexible areas for both family and guests. Its low, linear profile integrates seamlessly into the unique contours of its lot, exemplifying innovative solutions to site-specific challenges.