“Dark and cramped with low ceilings” was the description the homeowners gave of their existing 1970’s house in Paradise Valley, Arizona when they reached out to us with hopes of completely renovating it while adding additional space. The first design move was running a majority of the addition parallel to the existing house, connecting them with a singular linking element containing a new mudroom, powder room and hall. This strategy separates the new and old, allowing the original house to be completely reused while providing the addition with ample natural light and cross ventilation opportunities. It also creates a courtyard in the in-between space. The addition is anchored on both ends by a new guest suite and primary suite rendered in white stucco with regularly spaced columns in the middle supporting a pavilion-like roof. The roof covers both the indoor and outdoor living areas with large overhangs that shade the glass and patio during the summer. On the interior, floor to ceiling glass in the new living room take in views of the mountains to the north, views that didn’t exist previously. Pocketing glass doors can be hidden behind the plastered fireplace, creating a seamless connection to the patio. Hemlock slats start as a back lit lantern welcoming guests at the front of the house and flow all the way through to the new addition, concealing hidden doors to the powder room and mudroom on the way, while tongue and groove hemlock is applied to the ceiling adding an organic touch to the interior.
