Client Brief:
The clients wanted a new home that blended modern design with the historic southwestern vernacular. They desired a home that would embrace the natural beauty of the desert, with functional outdoor spaces, courtyards for privacy and community interaction, and materials that would weather and age gracefully in the desert climate.
Location:
Weave is located in a historic district in uptown Phoenix, Arizona, on the site of a former parking lot. The design needed to respect the historic context while bringing a modern touch to the neighborhood. The hot desert environment required courtyards and shading to create comfortable outdoor spaces.
Design Solution:
Drawing inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe’s adobe houses and patio paintings, the design focuses on line, color, and composition, blending modern materials and distinctive geometries with the desert sky in the form of a modern courtyard home with two distinct courtyards. The private courtyard, hidden within the U-shaped floor plan, revolves around a pool that helps cool the air and creates a more comfortable micro-climate in the shaded outdoor room. A steel-clad outdoor fireplace adds warmth for cool desert nights, while custom steel planters define spaces for lounging under the trees. The semi-public front courtyard creates a welcoming transition from the street, softened by desert plantings, stucco walls, and a steel planter. The recessed entry features a woven wood ceiling made from the homeowners’ own lumber mill and cushioned bancos for relaxing and greeting neighbors. Southwestern architectural elements, like vigas and latillas, are reinterpreted with a modern twist, and the front elevation is designed to let the sky and shadows provide dynamic visual interest. Inside, the great room is anchored by a kitchen featuring white oak cabinetry, honed marble counters, and a custom steel hood. Bi-folding doors open the space to the private courtyard, while the recessed dining area allows for diffused light and cross ventilation through operable windows. White oak cabinetry continues throughout the home, with the primary bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a copper soaking tub that transforms into an outdoor experience via a custom pivoting door.
Result:
"Weave" integrates modern design with traditional southwestern elements to create a home that reflects the natural beauty of the desert. With its courtyards, carefully chosen materials, and references to southwestern architecture, the home fosters a connection to the environment while offering comfort and functionality for modern living. The design pays homage to the past while reimagining residential architecture for the future of the American Southwest.
