Echo Canyon Residence

Phoenix / Arizona / USA

Echo Canyon Nestled within the confines of a wedge-shaped lot

The Echo Canyon Residence occupies a challenging wedge-shaped lot within the Echo Canyon community. Spanning 3,900 square feet, the home is a composition of geometric volumes and angles, softened by graceful curves that engage with serene garden views and the backdrop of Camelback Mountain.

entrance approach at custom Echo Canyon residence
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

The approach to the residence is defined by a balance of opacity and transparency. A curving block wall, punctuated by sandblasted satin-etched glass panels, conceals an intimate courtyard—a sanctuary for desert plantings like yuccas, agaves, and an ironwood tree. As light filters through the etched glass, a gentle play of shadow and texture leads visitors along the entry walkway, setting the tone for the home’s carefully orchestrated spatial experience.

Approaching the residence, a dance of opacity and transparency begins with a curving block wall adorned with sandblasted, SATIN-ETCH, glass panels. This concealed masterpiece encloses a charming courtyard, a haven for yuccas, agaves, and an ironwood tree. As sunlight filters through the sandblasted glass, dappled light gently caresses the walkway leading to the house, setting the stage for the sensory experience that awaits within.
Echo Canyon residence great room

Inside, the foyer transitions to an expansive great room where 14-foot glass walls open to reveal uninterrupted views of Camelback Mountain. This connection to the landscape is a central theme, with a narrow skylight casting natural light into the space, while the roof’s structural baffles create dynamic patterns of shadow throughout the day. These architectural gestures introduce a dialogue between light and form.

narrow, linear skylight in Echo Canyon custom residence
Once inside, the foyer and halls, adorned with curated art, lead to an open great room that effortlessly blends the interior with the exterior. A facade composed of 14-foot-tall glazing provides a panoramic view of Camelback Mountain, creating a seamless connection to the majestic landscape beyond. A narrow linear skylight bathes the great room in natural daylight, while VERTICAL LIGHT BAFFLES FORMED BY the roof structure introduces a captivating play of shadows, SHADDOW AND LIGHT,, adding depth and dimension to the space.
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

The design emphasizes continuity, particularly through the Douglas fir ceiling that extends seamlessly from the interior into the outdoor living areas. Linear slots housing lighting and mechanical systems are integrated within the ceiling, maintaining the purity of the material and the uninterrupted flow between inside and out.

The continuity of design is further emphasized by the Douglas fir ceiling, extending from the interior to the covered terrace, unifying the, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR living spaces. Interrupted only by linear slots housing lighting and mechanical fixtures, the ceiling creates a sense of openness and flow throughout the residence.
Echo Canyon_Modern Custom Home in Phoenix, AZ
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

Above the covered terrace, a circular oculus draws attention upward, tracing the sun’s movement across the outdoor gathering space. This terrace, with its rust-colored wall and natural desert landscaping, provides a serene environment for family gatherings and overlooks the Praying Monk, a distinct feature of the mountain.

Above the covered terrace, a round oculus becomes a celestial focal point, allowing a sunspot to gracefully glide across the patio and yard. This outdoor haven serves as a gathering place for friends and family, providing the perfect vantage point to marvel at the spectacular view of the Praying Monk. A thoughtfully landscaped yard, framed, ACCENTUATED by a rust-colored wall and a natural desert palette, becomes a playground for grandchildren and dogs.

Sandblasted satin-etch glass panels reappear in the block walls defining the backyard, simultaneously screening the street and guest parking areas. As evening descends, a linear fire pit warms the backyard, transforming it into an extension of the living space through sliding glass doors.