Designed by Knoell & Quidort Architects and snugged neatly into the desert hillside, this Phoenix home combines the classic and the contemporary in one stunning package.



Perched atop a compact lot in Phoenix's mountain foothills, this all-new estate is a study in complementary contradictions. It boasts Tuscan influences, but is tricked out with Modernist twists. It features extensive glazing, but is summer-sun ready. It's undoubtedly extravagant, but takes care to blend in with both its neighbors and its delicate mountain setting.



For example, the home's bold, geodesic form is not just for show; it was simply the best way to capture the sweeping city views, while still protecting the east and west facades, which are nearly windowless, from the blazing summer sun. Same with the home's distinctly-cantilevered roofline, which is designed to defend from the summer sun, while still welcoming the warming winter sun to passively heat the stone floors lining the interiors.



And speaking of being welcoming, since the homeowner's HOA required stone be incorporated in the elevations, the owners chose a local stone and then had it stacked in a pleasing. modern geometric pattern. Furthermore, the designer's decision to separate the garage from the home and create a "through" driveway, not only took advantage of the oddly peninsular-shaped lot, but also minimized the home's footprint on this delicate mountain setting.



Stepping inside the home, the majority of the living space was shifted to the second level, which allowed the home to mold to the existing outline of the hill. And since not every space should be welcoming, the outdoor living room, pool and lawn are all hidden well above street level. Finally, remember that detatched garage? Note the walkway bridging the garage and main house; it also doubles as a deck, perfect for admiring the Arizona sunsets.



Images Courtesy of Richard Maack & Michael Baxter



[Knoell & Quidort]



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