Nestled at the base of the Santa Catalina mountains adjacent to a protected peak, Ventana house is a window on the desert. The two-story dwelling rises from its mountainside setting like a geological outcropping, a rugged exterior shaped from within by openings that afford panoramic views. 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.
The entry sequence into the home begins in the dramatic shade of 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 form of the interior volume adjusts again, marked by a sloped ceiling of wood panels that echoes the silhouettes of the distant foothills. The living room, kitchen, and dining roomshare this dramatic space. Set against the backdrop of a desert oasis, minimally detailed cabinetry supports the tasks and leisures of daily life.
