Cholla Vista

Phoenix / Arizona / USA

Cholla Vista sits against the dramatic backdrop of Camelback Mountain, where its design responds to both the site’s natural beauty and the demands of Arizona’s intense climate. A series of angled ceiling planes define the architecture, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes. These richly pigmented roof forms shield the home from the harsh sun while framing expansive views of the mountain and city beyond, creating a balance between protection and openness.

The design blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, with the great room extending seamlessly into the front and back gardens. This connection to nature is not incidental but integral—each space is shaped to invite the landscape inward, making the home feel as though it emerges naturally from its surroundings

The canopy of richly pigmented roofs not only serves as a striking visual element but also plays a pivotal role in conditioning both the exterior and interior living spaces. Designed to shield against the Arizona sun, these ceilings simultaneously frame expansive city and mountain views, creating a dynamic interplay between the built environment and the natural panorama.

The kitchen and dining areas are oriented to create distinct visual connections with the landscape. To the west, the steep rock face of Camelback forms a dramatic backdrop, while to the east, the city stretches out beneath wide glass openings. These sliding glass walls invite natural light and air into the home, allowing it to evolve with the changing environment throughout the day.

The combined kitchen and dining room, strategically positioned, provide occupants with distinct relationships to nature. Whether beholding the steep rock face to the west or enjoying sweeping city views to the east, residents are immersed in the ever-changing tapestry of the environment. Sliding glass openings choreograph the flow of air and light, seamlessly transforming the home into an extension of the natural world.

Ascending to the upper floor, occupants are welcomed by an art studio bathed in natural light pouring through sizable windows. Here, the views extend upwards to the peaks of Camelback Mountain and downwards into the treetops of the flourishing desert garden below.

Ascending to the upper floor, occupants are welcomed by an art studio bathed in natural light pouring through sizable windows. Here, the views extend upwards to the peaks of Camelback Mountain and downwards into the treetops of the flourishing garden below, creating an inspiring space that blurs the boundaries between creation and nature.

The terrace provides a tranquil space to take in the sunrise, as golden light contrasts against the deep blue of the mountains. This quiet vantage point reinforces the idea that Cholla Vista is not just a home, but a crafted response to its environment.