Drewett Works has designed this modern house with razor-like folding forms to frame view corridors and protect its occupants and outdoor living spaces from the intense desert sun of Paradise Valley, Arizona. The challenge was properly positioning the house to open up views to four prominent mountain ranges, manage two existing washes, and regulate the harsh Arizona summer sunlight.

Encompassing 5,458 square feet of living space, the structure was designed to blur the distinction between the roof and the walls. Light winglike plaster forms of the residence appear to soar above the desert floor, defying gravity, while contrasting stone massing elements firmly ground the architecture to the unique site. The south wing of the house hovers above the earth, allowing rain to pass through to the desert’s natural wash.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Drewett Works BUILDER Bedbrock Developers INTERIOR DESIGN Holly Wright Design LANDSCAPE Bedbrock Developers 

The custom home is comprised of four bedrooms and a commanding upper game loft, which has nearly 360-degree views through clerestory windows and adjacent patios. The interior design followed the architectural lines and travertine massing sourced from the exterior to maintain the same proportion and scale on the inside. 

A conservative materials palette and clean lines exemplify the home’s contemporary aesthetic. Endless views from every room enhance the indoor/outdoor livability of the home. The travertine walls throughout this home were sourced from Cactus Stone.

Above: A substantial fireplace wall of Cambrian black leathered granite and travertine in the living room echoes the stone massing elements of the home’s exterior architecture.

What We Love: This modern, clean-lined house showcases idyllic views of the Arizona desert throughout. Its unique design features winglike plaster forms that appear to float over the home while sheltering it from the hot sun. From the materials palette to the fabulous indoor-outdoor lifestyle and stylish contemporary furnishings, there’s so much to love about this home. The most notable design feature is this home’s razor-like exterior forms, which cantilever outward, hovering above the desert floor.

Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this dwelling? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other impressive home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Arizona: A modern Scandinavian mountain house with San Francisco Peak views and Step into this Arizona home with an elegant black and white palette.

Above: The sleek kitchen design with its neutral materials palette mirrors that of the four-bedroom residence. Smoked-oak cabinetry sourced from Snaidero contrasts with quartz countertops.

Windows and glass doors of varying heights allow the light in and provide exceptional views of the desert landscape beyond.

The home boasts views of four prominent topographical features, including Mummy Mountain, with some of the best views visible from the upstairs loft and patio. The walnut cabinetry is by Distinctive Custom Cabinetry.

Above: With simplicity at the core of its design, the master bedroom revels in its connection to the outdoors with walls of glass. A rift-cut walnut barn door slides open to reveal the master bath. 

Above: Offering a zen-like appeal, the master bath is a fusion of gray, white, and taupe with porcelain flooring and marble countertops. Surrounded by desert flora, the light-filled room makes a direct connection to nature.

Above: A dark wall color balanced by an Ice Crystal marble countertop exudes a cooling ambiance that suits this modern home.

The architect utilized “white box architecture” in his design, which focuses on simplistic box forms. Pocketing doors and myriad windows blur the boundaries between indoors and out.

The residence is filled with an abundance of natural light, yet is perfectly sited to manage the harsh desert sun.

The homeowners wanted to maximize their views, so the architect situated the home diagonally on the lot and incorporated clerestory windows and pocketing glass doors.

Overhangs on two levels appear to defy gravity by hovering over the property’s floor.

PHOTOGRAPHER Jeff Zaruba Photography