Oasis of timeless beauty – Phoenix

Nestled on the north side of the Phoenix mountain preserve sits a once neglected and underutilised site in a horse property region, now transformed into a secluded native habitat and respite from city life. ‘O-asis’ is a new, solar-powered home designed by Phoenix-based architecture firm The Ranch Mine. The overarching design intent was to integrate modern life with the timeless beauty of music, sunlight, desert flora and fauna.
‘O-asis’ sits low in the desert, partially surrounded by a rusted steel fence and finished in white stucco with recessed niches of timber. Its strong horizontal form was designed as a datum for highlighting the dramatic shapes of the desert landscape. The pool breaks from the ‘O’ shaped plan, drawing you out into the desert towards the mountain views to the south, and is capped by a built-in fire pit bench, a perfect place to catch some sun during the day or layout under the stars at night.
The landscape is an elevated native Sonoran desert plant palate designed to encourage biodiversity for native flora and fauna within a landscape that is always evolving from season to season. Topography was finessed and exaggerated to connect natural drainage areas and habitat while providing strategic screening and privacy. Upon entering the home you are greeted by a central courtyard, time tested strategy for living in the desert, that brings in indirect natural light, fresh air, and unique plants that function like an art gallery for the homeowners, ever-changing with light, shadow, growth and seasons.
Pocketing glass doors on either side of the main living space funnel cool breezes through the house while providing a seamless indoor/outdoor flow, transforming the main living areas of the house into a covered open air space in seconds.