Moreton Residence

Project Details

Project Description

Clients Vision: A home that is at-one with the rugged desert surroundings, blurring the distinction between inside and outside, open and modern in style.
Set against canyon walls overlooking the valley, this home exemplifies Modern Desert architecture. Sweeping curves meld into the natural landscape. Roof lines combine curves and sharp angular sections, while earth tones of the desert palate are captured in the building materials. These cantilivered roof sections are designed such that no columns are required for support, enabling unrestricted views of the near desert and canyon walls. Curved stucco walls, natural tacked stone accents, travertine tile walkways and multi-layer metal-faced soffits provide both visual stimulation and ecological benefits – insulation against harsh desert sun.
Gently wrapping around natural contour lines, rugged rock outcroppings and magnificent Saguaro cacti, the building becomes one with the canyon walls. Sun and light are pulled into the contemporary open-space layout through floor-to-ceiling, multi-stacking window walls. Views abound inside and out, creating a synergistic living experience.
The Entry Foyer reinforces transparency from outside to inside. Travertine tile continues throughout the house. The Great Room’s curved, multi-level soffits create a flow from space to space, with portions of the soffits covered in stained tongue-and-groove alder wood. It is at once a large open space, with window walls bringing in light and providing a secluded view of the mountain side that rises upward.
The Entry Foyer serves to join the two halves of the floor plan. To the right, the Great Room and Master Suite; and to the left, two Bedrooms, a large Game Room and three-car Garage. An extra Den is found on a lower level, just below the Great Room.
The extensive Patio provides ample space for entertaining and enjoying the scenary. Sitting high above the roadway, the Patio provides miles-long vistas. The Pool and Spa shapes follow the view line, with an infinity-edge design. Adjacent are the Outdoor Kitchen and informal eating areas.
Landscape design forms a unity with natural surroundings. A variety of specimen cactus and succulent plantings together with rock garden accents, blend with existing desert flora, while travertine floor and pool tiles, combined with earthtone driveway cobble stones were chosen to compliment desert colors. For a bit of color contrast, the Putting Green which is constructed on the roof deck, provides a quiet respit, as well as a magnifient view.