Architecture firm The Ranch Mine has completed a new home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, designed to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Its centrepiece outdoors is a circular sunken fire pit set into the desert garden. The architects are at theranchmine.com.
Metal fins inspired by the ocotillo
The first thing visitors notice is the play of metal fins across the facade. They take their cue from the thin, tough ocotillo plants that grow across the desert. Besides giving the exterior texture, they shade the rooms from the strong Arizona sun and screen the house from passing cars.
Travertine masses
Solid travertine volumes recall the rugged mountains around the property and anchor the house in its setting. The stone's earthy colour and rough texture also give the design a grounded feel.
A C-shaped plan around a courtyard
The house wraps around a central courtyard in a "C" shape. Its heart is the great room, where three sets of pocketing multi-slide doors open to both the courtyard and the backyard. A lap pool runs from here to the primary suite and includes a Baja shelf and a hot tub.
Sunken fire pit and covered patio
Between the pool and the covered patio, a round sunken fire pit creates an intimate place to gather. The large covered patio itself is carried by slim metal fins and anchored by a steel fireplace, and it holds a full outdoor kitchen with a poured concrete island plus dining and lounge areas.
Organic, neutral interiors
Inside, the palette is organic and neutral so the desert stays in focus. A big steel-clad fireplace anchors the great room, which also contains the dining area and kitchen, both with concrete floors. In the kitchen, a sculptural light hangs over the island and tall wood cabinets provide storage. There is also a second, neutral-toned living room.
Office, bedroom and bath
Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the home office with daylight and views of the desert. In the bedroom, textured pieces add interest to the contemporary furniture. The bathroom has tiled walls, minimal black pendants and a wood vanity running the length of the wall, and the shower includes a horizontal window, a bench and a shelf niche.
Project credits
- Project: house in Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Architect: The Ranch Mine
- Builder: Boxwell Homes
- Developer: Aspen Dev Co
- Photography: Dan Ryan Studio
- Source: Contemporist