House in Phoenix, Arizona

Architects: blank studio, Phoenix, Matthew G. Trzebiatowski
Structural engineers: The BDA Group, Greg Brickey, Scottsdale, Arizona

The Xeros project is sited within a 1950s-era neighbourhood, where Phoenix’s urban grid is overtaken by the organic landforms of the North Mountain Preserve. Located at the end of two dead-end streets, the Xeros residence is positioned upon the upward slope of a double lot facing the mountain preserve to the north and the city centre to the south.

The building is organized horizontally: a double-height studio — its floor slightly below grade — serves as the base for a residence which is accessed by an external stair. The path to the studio level requires that one pass behind the mesh screen and descend a short flight of stairs into an exterior, mesh-enclosed forecourt. A stainless-steel water feature leads down the steps and terminates at a reflecting pool. A steel-framed glass door offers entry into the studio from the courtyard.

To access the residence, one ascends the exterior steel staircase to an upper-level balcony before entering the common room, and continues through a central gallery towards the cantilevered master suite. This space is completely glazed on the north facade to direct attention to the mountain preserve views. To complete the cycle of movement, a balcony allows views back to the city and across the long axis of the building. Steel is employed in various ways: the structural system consists of a steel frame in combination with engineered-wood floor joists.

The building envelope — of corrugated steel cladding and woven-steel, wire-mesh shade screens — is allowed to weather. Called “Xeros” (from the Greek for “dry”) as a reminder that a design solution should be a direct response to the environment in which the project exists, the building has several environmentally responsible features. The form turns an opaque face towards the western afternoon sun and the more exposed faces to the south and east are shielded by an external layer of woven metal mesh. The narrow lot gave rise to a compact footprint, allowing a substantial portion of the site to be retained for low-water-use vegetation which is positioned around the residence to add to the shading effect of the screen.

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This article is an excerpt from DETAIL — Review of Architecture

   

DETAIL is the international magazine dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in architectural design and engineering. Every issue covers a specific construction topic, illustrated contemporary examples and carefully chosen documented material from architects and trade experts — providing architects and engineers with an invaluable source for design and construction ideas.

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