#RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
chen + suchart studio reflect desert landscapes on the staab residence
arizona-based practice chen + suchart studio have completed the 3,000 ft2 staab residence in the picturesque desert landscape of scottsdale, arizona.
the house is conceived as three separate volumes whose relationship to one another informs the use and form of the structure. the design aims to provide a more closed off ground level to offer privacy from the neighbors, while at the same time allowing enough transparency to enjoy views of the mcdowell mountains.
the garage and guest house are characterized by their weathered steel siding, a rusting crimson box contrasting the vivid greens and muted earth tones of the ground. this structure is independent of the main house, angled in order to cradle the back yard pool area and create privacy. the house itself consists of two buildings stacked on top of each other. the ground level is constructed of sand-blasted CMU block masonry walls and serves as a foundation for the cantilevering glass and stainless steel volume above.
the lower level contains the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom all opening up onto the yard. sliding glass walls connect the interior and exterior transforming the use and feel of the spaces. above, the master suite and office enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and look down onto the yard through a wrap-around balcony that creates a deep eave to control the intense direct sunlight. the three structures work in conjunction representing a variety of experiences and attitudes to the site. the masonry walls extend the nature of the natural groundscape, the weathered steel reflects the intensity of the evening color palette, and the glass and steel box speaks to the contemporary nature of the house.
