Desert Architecture Series #6 | James Hann | Scottsdale, Arizona

When I first visited this location, the opportunities presented by the incredible views was completely overwhelming. The site is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, on a golf course with good, natural privacy all around, and spectacular views of the distant, Continental Mountains. The most difficult question was how best to showcase these assets and take advantage of all of the natural features and views afforded by this location.

During the conceptual planning phase, the first consideration was how best to enter this home and which spaces should showcase which views. A softly, curving concept with the major spaces projecting out like ‘spokes on a wheel’ with the entry located at the central ‘hub’ facing the primary view was decided early on in the design process. Additionally, a curving entry drive court with an automatic gate was selected to enhance this concept. When entering the foyer from the drive court, one is presented with a spectacular view through the great room, past an incredible stone fireplace and over the pool/water feature to the adjacent golf course and distant mountain vistas. The dining room is adjacent to and part of the great room and also captures these same views. A shallow pitched roof with exposed beams in the ceiling in a ‘chevron’ pattern helps to guide the eye to the outside and promote these views. This ‘chevron’ feature was utilized throughout the design as a vehicle to help guide one’s gaze to the distant views showcased throughout the home.

Proceeding to the left from the entry foyer leads up a few steps and along a wide, gently curving corridor to the study and master suite. The master suite features a fireplace across from the headboard wall and a ‘peek-a-boo’ window looks to the distant views. Just outside is a private, covered patio with spectacular views and a natural spa/water feature that cascades down a series of small pools into the main pool/water feature that’s outside the great room.

Proceeding to the right from the entry foyer leads down a few steps and along the same gently curving corridor to the kitchen, family room, outdoor kitchen/dining area, and patio. The pitched roof steps down at each of these spaces following the natural grade all the way to the patio with a lattice cover. From the highest point in the kitchen, the distant views are framed and enhanced through each adjacent space and finally end up at this patio.

Continuing down the gently curving corridor past the kitchen is where the game room with a bar and a pool table is located. Outside is another private patio with more intimate, natural views. Next to the game room are the three guest bedrooms, each with their own private bath and all of them sharing the same intimate, natural view.

From the ‘hub of the wheel’ entry foyer, the gently curving corridor acts as a link to connect all of the spaces like the ‘spokes of a wheel’ with each space featuring its own, private view corridor to the golf course and distant mountain views beyond.

Website - http://jameshanndesign.com
Builder - Tierra Custom Homes
Film by Chibi Moku - http://chibimoku.com
Color Grading by Thomas Stigler