Tucson Mountain Retreat
Arizona, USA

Many buildings are described as being settled into their landscape, but in the case of this home in the desert of Sagaro National Park a connection is palpable in every single element. The architects, Dust, are a group of artists, craftspeople and designers rooted in the master builder tradition, and it was to them that the owners turned to root the house in the Arizona landscape. Built using the rammed earth technique, the very walls of the space echo the tactile, visual and even auditory qualities of the desert. The layout comprises three zones, for living, sleeping, and for entertaining and recording music (hence the importance of acoustic separation), with the route between them being the courtyard outside, encouraging a fluid, indoor-outdoor existence. Full-height glass opens up to the desert, creating stunning panoramas and flooding the rooms with rich yellow light. Modern, minimalist furniture and sleek fittings enhance the timeless feel of the space.

Architect: Dust
dustdb.com

Project address
Sagaro National Park
Arizona, USA
Date of completion: 2012