Client Brief:
The homeowners aimed to transform their Spanish Colonial Revival-style residence into a modern home that fully embraced the stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding desert. They desired a design that enhanced the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, addressing frustrations with the existing thick columns, dark materials, and a floor plan that prioritized style over functionality. The ceremonial entryway detracted from an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, prompting a need for a more fluid and open design.
Location:
Perched on the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, the home's location offered dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. However, the original design limited the potential to enjoy these views and did not fully embrace the outdoor living opportunities the site afforded. The unique mountainside setting required a design that would maximize outdoor living space while maintaining sensitivity to the natural environment.
Design Solution:
The transformation began by stripping away the heavy elements of the Spanish Colonial Revival style, revealing a simplified two-story stucco structure. The floor plan was reworked to prioritize connections between living spaces and the surrounding views, including relocating the staircase to open up a sightline from the rear of the house to the valley beyond. An additional en suite bedroom was added via a second-story cantilevered addition, featuring a Modern Juliet balcony that nearly touches the mountain. This addition is clad in vein-cut Veracruz limestone, reminiscent of calcite veins found in the red rocks of Camelback Mountain, preserving the existing footprint while adding space.
Over 2,000 square feet of shaded exterior patios were added to extend the living areas, creating seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors. Custom steel and wood screens, bi-folding doors, and misting systems ensure these outdoor spaces are comfortable year-round. The south-facing second-floor patio features custom-designed steel screens that protect the space from the intense Arizona sun while allowing breezes to flow through. These screens can be folded back at dusk to reveal expansive mountain and sunset views. Integrated planters on the upper deck bring desert flora up to the master bedroom, enriching the sensory experience of the space.
Result:
The "Red Rocks" residence is a national award-winning transformation that embraces both the natural environment and the daily experiences of its inhabitants. By removing the constraints of a prescriptive architectural style, the home now prioritizes views, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and a deeper connection to its unique mountainside location. The design elevates the potential of the site, creating spaces that foster interaction with the natural world and deliver remarkable daily living experiences.
