A Dramatic Floating Roof Crowns This Rammed Earth Home in Arizona
With an angular roof canopy that glows with the sun and striated, rammed earth walls, Dancing Light House delights in its desert locale.
Designed by award-winning firm Kendle Design Collaborative, the poetically named Dancing Light House in Paradise Valley, Arizona, celebrates its desert landscape. The home features striking, geometric shapes that mirror the surrounding mountains, with nature providing the main foundation for the house's aesthetic and distinct character.
Layered, rammed earth walls link Dancing Light House to its desert landscape.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Its 5,600 square feet span a single story; with various outdoor living areas integrated throughout, the dwelling comprises separate, yet related, structures.
The wood boards lining the canopy’s underside appear to glow in the desert sun. Its tectonic-like shapes reference both the local geology and monsoon cloud formations.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
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The signature feature of the residence is its commanding floating roof canopy, which lends an impressive, sculptural accent to the design. With an underside comprised of tectonic-like forms, the dramatic pointed roofs protect the residence from the elements while appearing as a beautiful sculpture, balancing the owner’s desire for both elegance and coziness.
To keep the focus on the canopy’s form and natural materials, the team designed concealed lighting and mechanical systems.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Starting low within the interior living spaces, the canopy gracefully rises toward the 180-degree views of Camelback Mountain beyond.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Apart from the local topography, the residence also draws inspiration from natural light, which seeps in via carefully articulated crevices.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
The kitchen features a warm, neutral color palette, similar to its dessert surroundings.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
The home’s interior spaces are arranged around a central outdoor atrium, allowing fresh breezes and warm daylight to provide natural comfort inside.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Inside, rammed earth walls and cast-in-situ concrete are left exposed, strengthening the home’s relationship to nature.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
A bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the space to capture plenty of sunlight.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
In contrast to the rustic feel brought forth via rammed earth walls, other materials such as metal, glass, and steel add an industrial touch.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
A floor-to-ceiling window in the bathroom frames mesmerizing mountain views.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
A corner reading nook offers an idyllic spot for relaxation.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Reflecting off the swimming pool surface, the light creates dynamic compositions on the fractured wall planes, while also changing the tones of the living spaces throughout the day.
Photo by Alexander Vertikoff
Project Credits:
Architect: Kendle Design Collaborative / @kendledesign
Builder: Desert Star Construction
Structural Engineer: PH Structural
Civil Engineer: Gookin Engineers
Landscape Design: GBtwo Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Lighting Design: Creative Designs in Lighting
Interior Design: David Michael Miller
Cabinetry Design: Bulthaup
Cabinets & Doors: Wood Design Studios
Photography: Alexander Vertikoff / @vertikoff_photography
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