Wingcrest Residence
Paradise Valley / Arizona / USA
Set against the rugged base of Mummy Mountain, the “Wingcrest Residence” balances openness and refuge, elevation and grounding—an approach shaped in part by the spirit of the original home on the site, long attributed to Charles Montooth, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. Its rhythmic block construction, earth-toned concrete floors, and the warm–cool contrast between wood millwork and gray masonry offered a quiet but meaningful foundation for the new design. Continuing with these sensibilities, the inherited material palette and architectural cadence has evolved into a renewed expression of place.
A thin, sloping roof plane lifts toward the mountain, its precise edges creating shifting shadows throughout the day. Though subtly reminiscent of a wing in profile, this gesture serves primarily to frame views to the south and west and to direct precious rainwater into a collection system that nourishes the restored native vegetation, supporting a small bird and wildlife sanctuary integrated into the site.
Warm wood volumes define the primary living spaces and appear to hover above solid masonry walls and ground concrete floors that anchor the home to its site. A clerestory band of glass separates these layers, bringing in changing daylight and underscoring the interplay between shelter and elevation. Angled masonry masses extend outward to shape the entry sequence while providing privacy.
Inside, a generous great room opens to the re-established desert terrain and mountain backdrop beyond. Metal, wood, and masonry come together in a restrained palette that conveys warmth and durability. The kitchen and dining area share a westward outlook, protected by a deep overhang that tempers the desert sun while framing the panoramic views.
At the rear of the home, a linear pool extends the architecture into the landscape, its still surface reflecting the shifting colors of sunrise and sunset. As evening arrives, the masonry takes on a warm glow and the roof hovers above the illuminated desert garden, reinforcing the residence’s calm, grounded presence within its surroundings.