Desert Architecture Series #3 | Michael Higgins | Phoenix, Arizona

Drawing on the roots of Spanish Colonial homes originally built in the Arcadia Neighborhood this new home sits on ¾ acre lot just south of Camelback Road. The homes three car garage protrudes out from the main home, forming an intimate courtyard on the front of the home. Noise is buffered from nearby Camelback Road by the garages mass. A fireplace provides a focal point to the space. Although historical in style and scale, the homes interior offers an open floor plan ideal for entertaining. Volume is provided with vaulted ceilings stick framed like the construction of historical structures. A cupola in the kitchen provides ample overhead light from above and lifts the ceiling. A long pool set on axis from the great room offers a beautiful focal point at the rear of the property which draws you outside. The ramada’s semi-circular opening is reflected as a full circle in the dark bottomed pool. Arcades and covered patios protect the homes “skin” from the east and west sun exposure. The floorp