"Winterbode" - Stacey Residence
Carefree, Arizona
"Winterbode" was conceived as a quiet, warm winter refuge for a Midwestern couple who eventually plan to retire to this single-family residence in the arid Arizona climate. Integrating natural elements of water, sun, shade, and vegetation, the design revolved around the idea of a peaceful oasis, where the owners could welcome visiting family and friends year-round in a casual, indoor/outdoor Southwestern setting.
General requirements for this residence included focusing all views on the stunning natural landscape whenever possible. Adhering to a single-story, open plan design was also important, to imbue the home with a casual, relaxed ambiance. The owners especially wanted to use the outdoors as additional living space, respecting the terrain and native vegetation.
In keeping with the owners' wish to fully enjoy their retirement years and share their home with loved ones, several prerequisites were to be incorporated into the home's design. These included the following: large master suite; comfortable guest room wing and children's play area; outdoor terrace for entertaining and recreation; gourmet indoor/outdoor open plan kitchen, to be combined with dining, terrace, and living rooms; wood burning stone fireplace; large laundry/mud room; and adequate garage/storage space. Recreational requirements included: a large swimming pool for fitness; adjacent whirlpool; nine-hole putting green; shady areas for quiet meditation; and an indoor exercise room.
The site is located on a foothill that inclines to the north, making the southern backdrop with its spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert the only viable choice in deciding where the open plan design would originate. The south elevation's high sun exposure, however, challenged the designer to preserve the owners' wish to keep the house open to the landscape. Protecting the interior spaces and the inhabitants from the damaging heat and glare of the sun was key to the ultimate success of the design.
The sunny southern exposure was used to its best advantage to create a tranquil desert retreat.
• The design begins with the placement of the pool, terrace, and play areas
along the south elevation. The terrace next offers a smooth transition
into the adjoining interior common spaces, including the kitchen,
dining area, and central living room. In this way, the home's focus on
the southern view remains intact.
• To create a blend of sun and shade, floor to ceiling glass was
incorporated all along the south elevation and entry courtyard. Extra-
wide overhangs were used for sun protection, eliminating the need to
cover up the views with window treatments.
• Careful attention was paid to the design of the path leading up to the
entry. Strategic angling of the outer walls creates a courtyard garden
with native plantings along a loggia walkway, instilling a peaceful sense
of sanctuary and refuge upon arrival.
• The master suite design includes all the amenities the owners desired,
including a large master bath, separate dressing areas and fitness
room. The guest wing on the west side of the house offers privacy and
comfort for visitors, featuring three large bedrooms, two with private
baths. Here, visiting children enjoy an interior playroom and grassy
play area that can be accessed through sliding glass doors.
• The several terraces and linked walkways, using travertine and marble
flooring throughout, establish a seamless flow from one space to
another, both inside and out. The large morning terrace, which
provides additional living space for entertaining and outdoor dining,
includes a hearth in the middle of its semicircular outcrop, giving
warmth on cool nights and softening the sharp angles of the house.
• The pool with its flagstone terrace can be reached several steps down
from the morning terrace. Here, a continuous hidden water source was
created from stone that flows into a raised whirlpool. The whirlpool in
turn overflows into the pool, continuously replenishing and aerating
the water. To accommodate the owners' fitness program, this narrow,
fifty-foot pool for swimming laps and recreation was custom designed.
• The building interiors continue the use of natural materials. Oak is used
for service counters, furnishings, and window stools. Flooring is quarry
tile in traditional tones. Indirect lighting is used to make the service
lobbies feel comfortable, yet secure. The yellow-gold color of the
window frames and doors adds to the richness of the brick, both inside
and outside, while bringing out the natural tones of the wood.
