a window on the desert.

ventana house.

“It’s wonderful to live here.”
— client.

nestled at the base of the Catalina mountains adjacent to a protected peak, ventana house is a perch over the desert. the two-story dwelling rises from its mountainside setting like a geological outcropping.

dramatic second story shared living space in desert home with cactus view

like a geode, the light filled and refined interior is a contrast and a surprise. the main living spaces of the home are located above the desert, connecting the home's inhabitants to a foreground of saguaro forest and the distant horizon.

dramatic illuminated entry beneath a protected overhang – ema peter photography
entry sequence framed by folded wood ceiling and bench – ema peter photography
stair transition to second story beneath a perforated metal bridge – ema peter photography
perforated metal bridge detail – ema peter photography
dramatic ascension via sculptural stair – ema peter photography

the entry sequence into the home begins in the dramatic shade of a protected overhang. inside, visitors are welcomed by a sculptural stair that occupies a double-height skylit gallery where a footbridge passes overhead. made of steel perforated panels, the footbridge filters light from above and offers glimpses of experiences to come.

upon arrival at the main living space of the home, the space expands, marked by a sloped ceiling of wood panels that echoes the silhouettes of the distant foothills.

the living room, kitchen, and dining room share this dramatic space. set against the backdrop of a desert oasis, minimally detailed cabinetry supports the activities of daily life.

minimal luxury kitchen with flush white cabinets looking out window at saguaro and horizon ema peter
minimal desert architecture set against a picturesque mountain backdrop with client in window ema peter
client in yellow dress in front of floor to ceiling glass with reflection and modern living space ema peter
sundrenched skylit contemporary kitchen with high-end appliances and custom white millwork ema peter
simply luxury illuminated vase with yellow flowers – ema peter photography
less is more white kitchen filled with daylight and refined details – ema peter photography
modern elegance shared deluxe kitchen dining with panoramic view of desert southwest foothills ema peter
Eero Saarinen womb chair in front of corner window wood ceiling and floor and avant garde painting ema peter
desert modern dining room designer Eames DSR Eiffel side chairs and table by Design Within Reach ema peter
dramatic sunbeam tracking beneath protected terrace overhang blue sky with clouds and palo verde tree ema peter
exterior terrace with mountain backdrop framed by wood ceilings and wood floor including classic modern furniture – ema peter photography
sunrise on a concrete patio with Willy Guhl chairs beside a cascading forest of saguaro cactus – ema peter photography
peaceful retreat primary bedroom indoor-outdoor connection to cactus and rock landscape with Willy Guhl chair
contemporary bedroom with Tolomeo lamp abundant daylight and white to gray color palette – ema peter photography
essential luxury modern bath details – ema peter photography
less is more bath with tub by Wetstyle and tub filler by Crosswater – ema peter photography
walk-in closet simple luxury with white built-ins and wood floor – ema peter photography
refined elegant primary bathroom with porcelain tile and Italian fixtures ema peter
skylit wood stair drama beneath an Alder ceiling – ema peter photography
out of the ordinary steel catwalk above entry stair – ema peter photography
serene bedroom with elegant cabinetry black and white photography and designer bed and nightstand ema peter
bed and Eames LCM lounge chair glanced by a sunbeam — ema peter photography
guest bedroom in morning light with artistic photo on the wall and contemporary furniture — ema peter photography
guided by filtered light corridor to entry stair with low window view — ema peter photography
entry foyer framed by plywood sculptural ceiling and integrated bench with pivot door — ema peter photography
dynamic modern house connects earth and sky at dusk with dramatic interior lighting ema peter
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