This property is located on the north slope of Black Mountain in the high desert of Cave Creek, Arizona.  There are also 2 existing washes on the site that have created very lush areas of desert trees and saguaros. Site development works with, and preserves these areas of the site.

The home design is defined by the slope of the site, existing drainage patterns, the movement of the sun, and views out from the home. There is an existing jeep trail running up the middle of the site. We developed the plan to utilize this previously damaged section of the site as a guest entry drive, while maintaining the existing drainage patterns across the site and as save as much of the existing vegetation as possible. Along the west side of the property there is a long rock wall created by the construction of Schoolhouse Road.  This limits site access to the north end of the property.

The home’s orientation is set to capture views as well as optimize solar exposure and protect from the harsh afternoon, west sun. The layout of the main house is long and thin along the east–west axis to provide plenty of light and views throughout the home. To the north, the main house looks out over Cave Creek. To the south, the views extend up Black Mountain and the beautiful desert environment. The out buildings (Pool House and Casita) step up the slope of the site while creating a protected, back yard court to enjoy the beauty of the natural desert setting.

The materials of the building are selected for their durability, low maintenance and the way they blend with the site.  The selected construction materials are sand-blasted, integral colored CMU, glass in protected locations and large metal roof overhangs to create shaded outdoor patios.  These covered patios provide an extension of the interior spaces to the exterior. The pool steps up the site to create a negative edge condition that creates a water feature visible throughout the house.