The Ranch Mine has designed this spectacular low-slung courtyard style house nestled in Paradise Valley, an Arizona town embraced by desert landscapes and mountains. The project team created this house to elevate the spirit of its surroundings while blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, crafting a home where the arid beauty of the desert meets the sophistication of modern living.

Upon approach, your attention is immediately drawn to the striking interplay of metal fins that adorn the exterior, whose design is inspired by the resilient ocotillo plants dotting the desert terrain. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these fins serve practical functions, shielding the interiors from the sun’s intensity and offering privacy from passing vehicles on the street.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE The Ranch Mine BUILDER Boxwell Homes DEVELOPER Aspen Dev Co INTERIOR DESIGN The Ranch Mine LANDSCAPE DESIGN Studio Sprawl

The solid travertine masses of the residence pay homage to the rugged mountains that surround the property, anchoring the dwelling to its natural context. The earthy tones and textured surfaces of the travertine not only contribute to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as a grounding element.

Distinguishing itself from many large residences, “Mockingbird” is a modest height, reaching a maximum elevation of just 15 feet. This intentional design choice prioritizes a low profile to preserve the views of the surrounding mountains.

The architectural layout takes the form of a “C,” around a central courtyard with the heart of the home being the great room that features three pocketing multi-slide doors that connect to both the central courtyard and the backyard.

This ensures a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing residents to find sun or shade, social areas, or solitude at any time of day. The backyard is designed as an all-encompassing retreat. An expansive covered patio supported by thin metal fins and anchored by a steel fireplace features a full kitchen with a poured concrete island, dining and living areas.

Adjacent to this area is a circular sunken fire pit that provides an intimate gathering space under the celestial canvas. The lap pool stretches from this area to the primary suite and contains a Baja shelf and hot tub for relaxation. The interiors are organic and neutral, letting the natural environment shine.

A massive, steel-clad fireplace anchors the great room, as exposed aggregate concrete and wood cabinetry and millwork run through the rest of the house. The primary bathroom is accentuated with skylights and high windows, flooding the space with natural light that changes the color of the white Fireclay tile throughout the day.

Above: A sunken fire pit area aligns with the pool/hot tub and is capped by the owner’s bedroom suite at the end.

What We Love: This courtyard-style house draws its inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding desert. The heavy, travertine masses beautifully contrast with the thin, light steel fins like the solid rock mountains and the desert flora, both bouncing and filtering light for consistently unique experiences inside and outside this jaw-dropping desert home.

Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Arizona: See inside this stunning Arizona home with Camelback Mountain views and A luxurious mountain retreat surrounded by pine trees in Northern Arizona.

PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Ryan Studio