White Stone Flats

Benjamin Hall Design has revealed White Stone Flats, an innovative residential project that revolutionizes the concept of urban space efficiency. Situated on a modest and previously considered unbuildable half-lot, Hall's latest project exemplifies the "less is more" philosophy, a notion reinforced by his new use of financial modeling tools. Drawing inspiration from Jonathan Segal's "Architect as Developer" methodology, Hall utilized proforma modeling to refine his design approach. Opting against a large complex, Hall designed four exquisitely detailed two-story units within a 600 square foot (55 square meter) footprint.

White Stone Flats. This refined vision prioritizes design quality over mere scale, echoing Hall’s belief in the potency of minimalism. The design showcases two rotated, sugar cube-like volumes that create a dynamic interplay within the site. Enclosed by a sinuous gray block wall, the exterior space transitions through an entry procession adorned with screened communal functions, including recycled storage and café tables. Surface parking is thoughtfully integrated with a decomposed granite surface, mitigating the urban heat island effect.

The architectural ingenuity of White Stone Flats is showcased through its self-shading design, a strategy borrowed from historic Tucson’s Barrio neighborhoods. The small separation between the buildings creates a microclimate, further enhanced by a cylindrical fountain that brings a sense of calm to the bustling city environment. The development features four Ipe wood gates set within locally crafted custom white concrete block modules. Each gate is marked with the cardinal directions and opens into a welcoming private open-air atrium. The atrium, inspired by the slot canyons of Northern Arizona, boasts a towering glass wall that maximizes natural lighting and creates an expansive illusion. In the event of rain, which is a rarity in the desert, water flows into the atrium, sustaining the vegetation and directing surplus water towards a retention basin.

Inside, Benjamin Hall's design marries efficiency with elegance. The multifunctional kitchen counter obviates the need for a traditional dining table, while concealed doors and an ingeniously designed bathroom promote spatial continuity. The walk-in shower features a rain head fixture and an operable glass door, providing an indoor-outdoor showering experience, complete with a recessed block wall detail for soap storage. On ascending to the second floor, a dramatic twenty-foot ceiling awaits, augmented by a wall-to-wall skylight. The material transition from the robust concrete and steel of the lower level to the soft French oak flooring above underscores a seamless flow. Hall's innovative design includes concealed door headers and ceiling-mounted curtain tracks, contributing to an expansive ambiance. White Stone Flats, nestled among desert flora, has received international praise for its avant-garde approach to density.