Big Girl House

Designed for a semi-retired California-based real estate agent seeking change, Tate Studio Architects crafted a two-story, 4,700-square-foot home that takes full advantage of the property’s sweeping views. The sprawling contemporary residence located near Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, is a complete departure from the owner’s former condo-living lifestyle, leading her to affectionately refer to it as her “big girl” house.

Composed with a simple palette of steel, stone, board-formed concrete, and precision concrete block, the modern materials contrast brilliantly with the surrounding rocky terrain. The goal of the project was to bring the outside in, not just when stationary but when moving throughout the house. Large expanses of glass and clerestory windows were used to allow for endless views of the distant mountain peaks. The owner’s art collection and custom Dale Chihuly chandelier, suspended in the glass-enclosed stairway, serve as the jewelry of the home. Meanwhile, cedar-clad ceilings, black basalt tiles, and smooth travertine add warmth to the interiors.

In appreciation of the property’s unique amenities, such as sun orientation, landforms, and views, the design angles the outdoor patio and upper deck facing west to capture the spectacular Sonoran sunsets and city light views. Stacked sliding glass doors and pivot-style windows connect the indoors with the out, resulting in a one-of-a-kind contemporary desert home whose architecture honors its environment and the people who live within it.