Client Brief:
The clients wanted an off-the-grid capable lake house that blended modern luxury with resilience. The home needed to prioritize indoor-outdoor living and offer seamless access to the lake for watersports like waterskiing and paddle boarding.
Location:
The home is located in a waterski community along the Gila River in central Arizona. The community had been largely vacant for over 15 years due to the Great Recession, making this project the first house built in the development. Its design had to be self-sufficient to adapt to the desert's challenges such as extreme heat, wind, and remoteness.
Design Solution:
We crafted a solution that draws heavily on the natural elements of the desert and the client’s love for watersports. The unbroken, board-stamped concrete walkway runs from the street to the lake, a desert adaptation of a beachfront boardwalk that visually guides people toward the boat house and the water. A 10kW solar system powers the home and charges the client’s electric cars while rainwater retention basins, a well, and a septic system help make the home self-sufficient and off-the-grid capable. A protected courtyard provides a wind-free outdoor living space with a pool, hot tub, and multiple outdoor fireplaces inspired by Argentine Gaucho traditions. The long, narrow design of the house allows for optimal cross-ventilation and natural light while aligning with the linearity of the lake for maximum views. The design includes extensive covered outdoor areas, where 60% of the space under the roof is dedicated to outdoor living. The house’s stilts and rhythmic roof pattern echo the slalom buoys of the lake, and the design is based on the number 8, symbolizing infinity and smooth turns—perfectly mirroring the waterskiing experience. As for recreation, the garages are split in two, one for car storage and the other for desert recreation gear and the final stop on the board-stamped concrete walkway is the compact boathouse, which includes a kitchen, a bunk room, watersports storage, and a boat slip, providing everything needed for lake activities.
Result:
This modern, off-grid capable lake house is a pioneering example of sustainable luxury living in the desert. The design caters to the client’s passion for watersports and desert recreation while offering a retreat that harmonizes with the harsh desert environment. The home is both energy-efficient and adaptable, with spaces designed for relaxation, recreation, and seamless connection to nature.
