Client Brief:
The clients sought a residence that seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the Arizona desert with modern sophistication. They desired a design emphasizing fluid indoor-outdoor living, privacy from the street, and preservation of the surrounding mountain views, creating an intimate and elegant retreat.
Location:
Situated in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Mockingbird is located on a frequently traveled road within a desert valley, encircled by rugged mountains. The site required a design that could adapt to the harsh desert environment, providing shade from the intense sun and privacy from the street, while embracing the natural beauty and maintaining unobstructed mountain views.
Design Solution:
The design features a low-profile, courtyard-style layout, with the structure rising no more than 15 feet to preserve mountain vistas and harmonize with the desert landscape. The "C" shaped configuration centers around a courtyard, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Three pocketing multi-slide doors in the great room open to both the courtyard and backyard, allowing residents to enjoy sun, shade, or solitude throughout the day.
Exterior metal fins, inspired by the resilient ocotillo plant, provide visual interest and functional shading from the Arizona sun, offering privacy from the street without compromising the home's connection to the landscape. Travertine masses anchor the house, paying homage to the surrounding mountains with their earthy tones and rugged texture, grounding the home in its natural setting.
The backyard serves as a comprehensive retreat, featuring a covered patio supported by thin metal fins and anchored by a steel fireplace. This outdoor area includes a full kitchen with a poured concrete island, dining and living spaces, and a circular sunken fire pit for intimate gatherings.
Result:
"Mockingbird" combines modern design sophistication with the rugged beauty of the desert, offering a low-profile, elegant retreat that maximizes indoor-outdoor living. The home’s design enhances privacy, provides ample shade, and maintains an intimate connection with its surroundings, creating a sanctuary that celebrates the natural environment while ensuring comfort and style.
