Client Brief:
The clients wanted a home that would blend the beauty of the desert with modern sophistication. They emphasized a desire for fluid indoor-outdoor living, privacy from the street, and an overall design that would preserve and complement the surrounding mountain views, while creating an intimate, elegant retreat.
Location:
Situated in Paradise Valley, Arizona, "Mockingbird" sits on a regularly trafficked road in a desert valley, surrounded by rugged mountains. The site called for a design that could adapt to the harsh desert environment, providing both shade from the intense sun and privacy from the street while embracing the natural beauty and maintaining an unobstructed view of the mountains.
Design Solution:
The house is designed as a low-profile courtyard home, no taller than 15 feet, to preserve views of the surrounding mountains and blend harmoniously with the desert landscape. The architectural layout forms a "C" around a central courtyard, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Three pocketing multi-slide doors in the great room open to both the courtyard and backyard, ensuring a fluid transition and allowing residents to enjoy sun, shade, or solitude throughout the day. The exterior is adorned with metal fins, inspired by the resilient ocotillo plant, which provide both visual interest and functional shading from the Arizona sun. These fins also offer privacy from the street without compromising the home's connection to the landscape. The 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 is designed as an all-encompassing retreat, featuring a covered patio supported by thin metal fins and anchored by a steel fireplace. The outdoor area includes a full kitchen with a poured concrete island, a dining and living space, and a circular sunken fire pit for intimate gatherings. A lap pool stretches from the primary suite to the outdoor living area, complete with a Baja shelf and hot tub for relaxation.
Result:
"Mockingbird" combines the sophistication of modern design 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, offering a sanctuary that celebrates the natural environment while ensuring comfort and style.
