RANCHO RIVIERA - ARIZONA
Size: Single Family Residence
Objective: Primary residence for family of four with comfortable-yet-functional spaces.
Challenges/Opportunities: Unobstructed views of the lake and mountains beyond are naturally framed by the immediately adjacent topography. Privacy required from residences on each side.
Solution: Using accurate 3d topographic imagery an axis angle was determined by taking a line from the landmark mountain over 30 miles away to a point 1/2 between 2 hills immediately adjacent to the site. With half of the house askew 8 degrees to match the site line and glazing at the entry and rear, the site user is directed toward the view as they pass from entry courtyard, through the structure, and out to the back patio pool. Surveyor accurately located marker flags on site per design to confirm view axis and key massing corners for owner visualization.
What is “different”: A skeletal metal roof floats over an interior void defined by 2 large, thick concrete walls. Closets, cabinets, and shelves are among the utilitarian spaces carved into the thick walls from both sides: the main living areas in the large central void on one side and the secondary spaces from the other.
Deliverables: Photo-realistic animation with geo-referenced terrain and placement of important mountain landmark over 30 miles away, CAD-generated preliminary layouts.
