Rammed earth adds natural quality to Arizona home by Kendle Design Collaborative
Earthen walls and exterior fins evoking a cactus's skeleton were used by US studio Kendle Design Collaborative to tie the Desert Fairway Residence in Arizona to its natural setting.
Located in Paradise Valley, an affluent enclave of Phoenix, the home sits along a golf course, on a cacti-dotted site with views of rugged mountains.
It was designed by local studio Kendle Design Collaborative to embody contrasting elements – solid and void, interior and exterior, light and shadow – that come together to create a sense of "perfect balance".
Totalling 7,195 square feet (668 square metres), the home consists of low, rectilinear forms that stretch across the desert site. The building "slowly reveals itself as it emerges from its lush surroundings", the team said.
While most of the home has low, flat roofs, the centre portion is topped with a large, metal roof that angles upward.
For exterior walls, the team used a mix of metal, concrete masonry and rammed earth. The front facade is lined with slender fins that recall the ribs of a cactus.
There is an exterior foyer with earthen walls and a metal canopy overhead that creates specifically designed shadows.
"An organically patterned metal sunshade cast playful spots of light and shadow along these walls, while a vertical trellis screens the interior space," the team said.
Inside the dwelling, one finds bright rooms and a fluid layout. The central portion holds the public spaces, while bedrooms are found in the side wings.
A gallery wall defines the great room and provides "a vital buffer against the intense Arizona sun, creating a protective shield for the interior".
Interior finishes are meant to blend with the desert landscape and include natural stone, warm-toned wood and burnished concrete blocks. Certain accent walls are made of rammed earth.
"Rammed earth is deeply valued for its aesthetic appeal, sustainability and connection to place," the team said.
"The material's rich, earthy tones and organic texture provide a sense of grounding and timelessness, with each wall becoming a work of art."
The rear of the home features a terrace and a slender swimming pool. The latter helps to cool the outdoor living area and provide a pleasing sensory experience.
"A narrow pool reflects the blue Arizona sky while simultaneously cascading down textured walls to compose a soothing harmony of sound and visual delight," the team said.
The front terrace is also designed for hanging out, as it provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
"The space is made cosy with a linear fire feature, providing warmth on cooler nights while enhancing the atmosphere," the team said.
"The lighting accentuates the dynamic forms and ribbed design of the architecture, casting shadows and highlighting the sculptural qualities of the residence."
Other projects by Kendle Design Collaborative include a standalone "flex" addition to an Arizona home featuring stucco and weathering steel, and a "zen-like" Phoenix residence that features a mix of curved and rectilinear forms.
The photography is by Ema Peter.
Project credits:
Architecture: Kendle Design Collaborative
Lead architects: Brent Kendle, Cathleen Kebert
Interior designer: Holly Wright Design
Landscape architect: GBtwo Landscape Architecture
Lighting designer: Creative Designs in Lighting
General contractor: RJ Gurley Construction
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