Client Brief:
A family, including a ceramic artist, sought a home that would serve as both a nurturing environment for their growing family and a creative space for artistic pursuits. They envisioned a residence that integrates indoor and outdoor living, offers areas for entertainment and food production, and provides privacy within an urban setting.
Location:
Situated on a spacious lot in central Phoenix, Arizona, the property presented opportunities for expansive outdoor living. The desert environment posed challenges related to heat, sun exposure, and material durability, necessitating thoughtful design solutions for comfort and longevity.
Design Solution:
Drawing inspiration from the ancient art of pottery, the design embodies qualities of being rigid in structure yet malleable in use, precise in form yet rich in texture. The home is organized into three distinct volumes, living, sleeping, and utility, arranged to form a central courtyard. This configuration enhances privacy and provides shelter from the desert sun, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
The courtyard serves as a multifunctional outdoor space featuring a covered patio with a dining and grilling area, a sunken fire pit, an olive grove, and a pool with a Baja shelf and hot tub. Areas dedicated to food production include a chicken coop, citrus and stone fruit groves, and raised vegetable beds.
Materials were selected for their resilience and ability to age gracefully in the desert climate. The exterior incorporates board-formed concrete, rusted corrugated metal, hand-troweled stucco, steel, and glass, each contributing unique textures that evolve over time. Interior spaces are warmed by wood elements, including a custom dining table and stair treads crafted from a fallen tree on the property, adding personal history and character.
Double-height and vaulted ceilings introduce a dynamic spatial experience, with features like a board-formed concrete fireplace drawing the eye upward. A loft space offers panoramic mountain views, while vaulted ceilings in the pottery studio and children's rooms enhance natural light and create additional functional areas.
Result:
Foo stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of form and function, art and living. The design reflects the family's creative spirit and desire to live in rhythm with the land, offering a flexible environment that evolves with their needs. The home not only provides a sanctuary for its inhabitants but also engages with the broader context of Phoenix's desert landscape, embodying our dedication to crafting spaces that connect people with nature and each other.
