Client Brief:
After years of saving through the recession, the clients wanted to transform their outdated house into something that fit their lifestyle. They asked for a design that opened to the desert, created indoor-outdoor living spaces, and worked within a modest budget.
Location:
The site is south of a Phoenix mountain preserve, giving access to desert trails and views. The house needed to manage intense sun while framing the landscape.
Design Solution:
Pleats takes its name from the corrugated cladding of the new gabled volume, a reference to the folds of the Saguaro cactus. The design reuses the original foundation and adds a tall central space that brings in mountain views and anchors the new great room.
The plan centers on a three-sided courtyard with a pool. The gabled roof shades the courtyard in the afternoon, while recessed entries and wood details echo the texture and shelter of the cactus. Materials include corrugated metal, concrete floors, walnut cabinetry, and steel patio covers, blending economy with character.
Result:
Pleats transforms a dated house into a modern home shaped by desert form and light. The design is efficient, expressive, and tied directly to its landscape.
