Desert Architecture Series #13 | Ron Brissette | Scottsdale, Arizona

George and Susan Master wanted to downsize from their 5400-sf territorial style home in North Scottsdale into a soft contemporary 3000 sf home. Though not a “small house” it was a significant reduction. In many ways this has been more difficult to design a smaller plan that met all the needs of their lifestyle. There could be no wasted space and the scale and rhythm had to hit right on. We found a lot in the North Scottsdale community of Sincuidados that offered privacy and a rich relationship with the native desert as a driving factor. Seamless indoor/outdoor living is one of the great opportunities we have as designers in the Desert Southwest. This was no exception. We began the process to define a concept of compact living related to the views, the character and features of the site, and to create a unique experience. We talked a lot at every step. The Owners envisioned the use of a feature wall that gave definition and root to the design. We had to find something that met that dynamic, created a core component, and was within their budget. The choice was to use a patterned block composed of varied color and texture units. This defined the entry experience, created a spline through the home, and anchored the indoor/outdoor fireplace mass. This material occurs also in the freestanding columns giving additional rhythm and continuity of that motif. Each space in the home has a sense of continuation and openness where the eye gets a hint of what happens beyond. Together, with Susan’s eye for interiors and the help of her designer, the finishes came out simple yet rich. One is very comfortable in this house, with its volumes and surfaces, and with the natural light that plays throughout. The best mark of success in this, and any project, is the satisfaction and happiness of the client enjoying their new home. We hope you enjoy George’s thoughts about this as he shares the experience. Website - http://brissettearchitects.com Film by Chibi Moku - http://chibimoku.com Color Grading by Thomas Stigler