Crafted by the visionary minds at Studio Rick Joy, this extraordinary residence effortlessly melds into the rugged embrace of the Arizona desert. Nestled within a secluded, bowl-like land formation, the three interconnected square volumes of Desert Nomad House offer an immersive experience like no other. Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on a journey through this captivating desert sanctuary.
Here, every element has been thoughtfully designed to provide unique and mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape adorned with majestic Saguaro and Ocotillo cacti. The architecture effortlessly settles into a harmonious equilibrium with the renowned Sonoran saguaros, creating a low-impact integration with nature. Each primary space within the house, including the living room, bedroom, and small den, has been intentionally oriented to embrace a singular perspective, ensuring an awe-inspiring connection to the environment.
From the living room, one can gaze out onto a stunning southwest view during the early evening, as the setting sun casts its golden light upon a rugged rock hill. The eyes are then drawn towards the shadowed foreground at the base of the Santa Catalina mountains, which are beautifully bathed in the enchanting colors of the reverse sunset. As night falls, the city lights of Tucson twinkle in the distance, creating a captivating panorama.
In the bedroom, the experience of sunlight takes on a different character. The rising sun illuminates a breathtaking rock face atop the Tucson mountains to the southwest, creating a mesmerizing sight that crowns the saguaros and ocotillo surrounding the house. Meanwhile, in the intimate den, a carefully crafted aperture frames the nearby rocks and saguaros, bringing nature's artistry to the forefront.
The three volumes that constitute Desert Nomad House are elevated and independent from one another, requiring a stroll along desert footpaths to transition between them. These paths serve as a tangible connection to the land, emphasizing the intentional seclusion of the house. Respecting the delicate nature of the site, the elevated volumes enable water and animals to move freely beneath them, preserving the untouched landscape from ages past despite the compelling visual presence of the architecture.
The exterior of each volume is clad in elegant plate steel, exuding a contemporary aesthetic that resonates with the surrounding environment. Inside, maple veneer lines the walls, providing warmth and a touch of natural beauty. The meticulous installation of these materials, with articulated panels and exposed fasteners, highlights the applied nature of the facade. The design incorporates a ventilated air space behind the steel cladding, enabling heat to dissipate through natural convection currents. This marriage of aesthetics and practicality pays homage to the logic of nature, while subtly reminding visitors of the human-made interventions at play.
