White Wing Residence

Paradise Valley / Arizona / USA

Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

The “White Wing Residence” is defined by a sense of simplicity and calm, where the home’s quiet presence is felt from the moment of arrival. Concrete and masonry site walls frame the entry, their textured surfaces shifting in orientation, drawing attention to the interplay of materials. As one enters the first courtyard, trellis elements begin to emerge, filtering the intense Arizona sun and guiding visitors into the shelter of the interior spaces, creating a thoughtful transition between the outside world and the sanctuary within.

Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

The home’s layout wraps around a central courtyard, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the expansive views of Camelback Mountain and the private yard. The carefully selected materials, both inside and out, impart a timeless quality to the space, allowing a sense of calm and tranquility to permeate throughout, inviting quiet moments of reflection and connection to the natural surroundings.

The architectural concept embraces humility, incorporating natural materials to create a serene environment. Rammed earth walls, limestone floors, and Douglass Fir wood ceilings seamlessly merge the indoors with the outdoors, forming an intricate tapestry of interlocking living spaces that speak to the essence of simplicity and elegance.
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Embracing a “cozy” scale, the visual aesthetic exudes calmness and tranquility, adopting a minimalist approach to materials and detailing. This intentional simplicity serves as a backdrop, allowing the occupants to center their attention on art and nature. The use of rammed earth walls not only adds an earthy, natural texture to the home but also provides excellent thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency.
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture

Across the yard, the shaded pavilion provides a serene retreat that defines an outdoor entertainment space. The spool invites relaxation, while a water feature gently cascades, offering a soothing sensation akin to a spa. The outdoor fire feature, which cleverly conceals a television, completes the space, creating a harmonious environment for both relaxation and gathering with loved ones.

Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
Birds Nest – Scottsdale Custom Home – Modern Architecture
The design maximizes the integration of interior and exterior living spaces, fostering a strong connection with the natural surroundings. This deliberate blurring of boundaries allows inhabitants to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of indoor living.

As the day draws to a close, the Arizona sunset bathes Camelback Mountain in warm hues, casting soft light through the slots in the site walls. This interplay of light and shadow illuminates the central courtyard, creating a striking contrast between the luminous glass and the solid, protective materials that embrace this tranquil sanctuary, capturing the essence of a home that remains in harmony with its surroundings.

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