Paradise Valley, Arizona, United States
Chen + Suchart Studio
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
The project proposes an architecture that responds to the inherent qualities of the site, privileged views, and the larger context of the
Sonoran Desert. The language of the house draws upon these inherencies and allows for a greater understanding of the project’s circumstances.
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
A series of parallel sandblasted concrete block walls (
CMU) are configured in a way that allows the landscape and the views to flow freely through the spaces. These CMU walls orient the spaces to the undisturbed views of
Pinnacle Peak, the
McDowell Mountains,
Four Peaks, and the
Superstition Mountains, while controlled openings within the CMU walls capture characteristics of the immediate site and landscape, specific views of the mountains beyond, and the desert sky.
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
A metal clad roof is situated between the CMU walls and inflects to focus specific views based on program. The configuration of
Cor-Ten clad metal stud walls aid in editing out the immediate manmade context of the neighboring uninspired houses and assist in focusing views on the landscape and mountains in the distance.
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
In an effort to domesticate the otherwise “raw” spaces, the introduction of both veneered plywood and Level 5 plaster walls are articulated as veneers at specific surfaces of the exposed CMU walls at the interior spaces. The millwork is comprised of Quartersawn Maple and white stone countertops.
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
The garages and entry court are located on the first level. The majority of the project’s program is located on the main level at one elevation due to the clients’ age. Two other bedrooms are located at different elevations, and by means of the section, allow for privacy and a more distinct focus on the specific qualities of views and the desert landscape.
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| Photo © Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| views analysis--drawing Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| views analysis--drawing Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| lower level plan--drawing Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
 |
| upper level plan--drawing Courtesy of Bill Timmerman |
The people
Architects: Chen + Suchart Studio, LLC – Szu-Ping Patricia Chen Suchart and Thamarit Suchart
Location: Paradise Valley, Arizona, United States
Structural Engineering: AED Structural Engineers, Inc. – Christopher J. Sosnowski, P.E.
Construction Company: Cuff Custom Homes – Hugh Cuff
Construction Area: 3,968 sf or 368.64 sqm
Graphics + Drawings: Chen + Suchart Studio, LLC
Project Year: 2004 – 2008
Photography: Bill Timmerman of Timmerman Photography
via:contemporist/archdaily
