Client Brief:
The clients wanted a home that would serve as a refuge in the high-altitude volcanic landscape of Flagstaff, Arizona, offering a place to rest, recover, and reflect between outdoor adventures. They sought a design inspired by both the rugged natural environment and the Danish concept of Hygge, prioritizing warmth, comfort, and simplicity.
Location:
Set within the San Francisco Volcanic Field at 7,300 feet above sea level, the property is part of a flat, high-altitude plateau dominated by grasses, coniferous trees, and stands of aspens. The stark landscape, with its dramatic volcanic peaks, provided both inspiration and challenges for the design. The home needed provide warmth and protection from the cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and brisk winds, while taking advantage of the stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Design Solution:
We designed "Noir Peaks" as a series of three gabled forms that burst from the ground, echoing the volcanic mountains that define the landscape. The exterior cladding was painted to match the local lava flow rocks, with battens spaced at varying widths to mirror the irregular spacing of aspen trunks. The floor plan was arranged to frame views of the San Francisco Peaks from the great room and each of the three main bedrooms, ensuring the landscape remains a constant presence throughout the home. Inside, the vaulted ceilings in the great room and primary bedroom are finished in clear vertical grain hemlock, bringing a sense of warmth and texture to the space. Texas Crème limestone fireplaces in these spaces further draw the eye upward, reinforcing the verticality inspired by the volcanic peaks outside. Helping to create a sense of Hygge, radiant heated concrete floors run throughout the home, offering a cozy, welcoming sensation during Flagstaff’s cold winter months. The combination of warm wood, natural stone, and heated floors creates an inviting interior.
Result:
"Noir Peaks" is a national award-winning home that captures the dramatic beauty of the San Francisco Volcanic Field while providing a warm, comfortable refuge for its inhabitants. The design integrates with the volcanic landscape, echoing its forms and materials, while the interior reflects the Danish concept of Hygge, offering a space to rest, reflect, and re-energize. The result is a harmonious blend of rugged natural inspiration and cozy, modern living.
