Design Approach
Create a modern desert architecture that is a simple extension of its Arizona desert site. Natural patina steel panels, double angle steel spires, massive concrete walls, mesquite plank and expansive custom glass walls flow under a slender roof of corten steel and doug fir. The result is as primal as the indigenous desert landscape and Sonoran hillside topography. This home features Solar power, solar water heater, a reclamation septic system, 12 high efficiency ductless heat/ac units and non toxic materials.
Desert pool
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Like the house, the pool is architectural with linear large format steel porcelain walls aligned above and below the water. Conceptually, the pool is designed as a desert waterhole. The river pebble finish and the natural desert landscape are only separated by a vertical knife edge of stone. Just below the water, a shallow perimeter pebbled ledge facilitates easy in and out or a cool bench seat. Along the edge, random concrete plinths capped in stone float out of the water and are used as jump-in rocks or beverage tables. Deliberately reminiscent of the lake swimming we did as kids, a remote wood deck (Ipe) sits 4 feet above water for jumping into the 10 foot deep waterhole. Ipe wood decking also serves as the primary access way from the house to the pool steps. During the summer this salt water pool is naturally cool by its depth and heated by solar PV panels in the winter. The surrounding landscape is indigenous desert with cobble stone gabion privacy walls and raw steel mesh fence. Chaise Lounge chairs on a small turf area engages the pool from the back yard lawn. From the front, a long steel and concrete coffee table with seating extends from the house under sail shades and Palo Verde trees. house front
a modern desert water hole
