the Hideaway On Palm

In the quest to define an architectural identity for Sunbelt cities often perceived as lacking distinctive character, Benjamin Hall is spearheading a transformative movement in Phoenix, Arizona. With an innovative regionalist approach, Hall combines his expertise in desert environmentalism from the University of Arizona with the efficient space planning principles he learned in Copenhagen. His latest project, The Hideaway on Palm, epitomizes this synthesis, offering a new model to address the urgent need for 'missing middle' housing.

Tucked away at the rear of a deep lot behind a 1990s suburban home in a blue-collar neighborhood near downtown Phoenix, The Hideaway on Palm presents a refreshing approach to multi-family housing. This project features one-bedroom apartments, each covering 544 square feet (50 square meters), and serves as a sophisticated response to the site’s constraints and the broader demand for thoughtful urban design.

The architectural journey commences with a procession through a series of white block forms that gracefully weave through the dense desert vegetation. Private courtyards, which branch off from the walkway, offer intimate spaces for social interaction and reflection. Each courtyard is thoughtfully designed with office windows and glass entry doors to capture the morning light and foster a connection with the outdoors.

Upon entering the apartments, the shift from the bright desert exterior to the cool, shaded interior is remarkable. Thick masonry walls, internally insulated with foam, act as thermal mass, maintaining cooler temperatures from the night and boosting energy efficiency. Hall’s dedication to durability is showcased through the choice of materials: hard-troweled concrete floors and white birch cabinetry, paired with resilient Corian surfaces in high-use areas. Minimal use of paint and drywall reduces maintenance and repair needs.

A central skylight in the kitchen’s ceiling acts as both a navigational guide and a celestial timepiece, its light mimicking the arc of a pendulum
throughout the day. The T-shaped floor plan facilitates a clear flow between the built-in office and bathroom on one side and the spacious bedroom
on the other.

The Hideaway on Palm thoughtfully addresses the pandemic-induced shift to remote work with a built-in office and storage bookcase, seamlessly integrated into the connecting hallway. The bedrooms open onto generous private backyards, offering a balance to the more public courtyards at the front. These outdoor spaces are designed to mitigate solar exposure and provide versatile living options, with native vegetation adding both shade and aesthetic value. The design demonstrates a deep understanding of the seasonal variations in the desert climate.

This project represents a maturation in Benjamin Hall’s practice. Transitioning from a hands-on owner-architect-developer role to a more traditional construction process, Hall successfully delivered a high-quality project that respects conventional roles while pushing the boundaries of urban desert living.