Mountain Shadows

With a fresh approach to desert architecture – combining minimalist lines and high-performance materials – this Paradise Valley residence maximizes sweeping mountain views and celebrates a curated art collection. Suited to its setting, the lime-washed brick and clay tiles help to regulate the interior temperature of the home.

Designed with a private entry courtyard that serves as a buffer to the broader neighborhood, concealed skylights in the foyer allow natural light to illuminate the work by Ghanian artist, El Anatsui, upon arrival.

An open, symmetrical layout allows for the harmonious intersection of the kitchen, dining, and living room, while interior sloping roofscapes express the full volume of the light-filled space. Contemporary millwork, sustainable materials, and carefully integrated mechanical systems work seamlessly to highlight the artwork and complement the adjoining desert landscape.

Along the rear façade hidden shade systems are consolidated within the continuous floor-to-ceiling, high-performance fenestration. Folding steel doors in the living room open to an outdoor kitchen and patio enlivened by native, drought tolerant plants. The house is heated and cooled with an air source heat pump system and the use of thermally modified wood throughout the home provides durability, stability, and resilience.