DUST
Tucson, Arizona, United States
© Jeff Goldberg/Esto
This rammed-earth dwelling is located in an arid expanse of land that emits a sense of stillness and permanence. It holds mysteries of magical proportions. The home is carefully sited in response to the adjacent arroyos, rock outcroppings, ancient cacti, animal migration paths, air movement, sun exposure, and views. Great effort was invested to minimize the physical impact of the home in such a fragile environment. Rooted in the desert, where water is always scarce, the design incorporates a generous 30,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system with an advanced filtration device that produces the most precious resource available for all household uses.
Site plan
Parking is intentionally isolated from the house. From there, one must walk along a narrow footpath, passing through a dense clustered area of cacti and Palo Verde that obscures direct views of the home. Upon each progressive footstep, the house slowly reveals itself, as if rising out of the ground.
Roof deck plan
Ground-floor plan
A. |
Entry |
B. |
Kitchen |
C. |
Dining area |
D. |
Living area |
E. |
Pantry |
F. |
Control booth |
G. |
Vocal booth |
H. |
Music studio |
I. |
Bedroom |
J. |
Roof deck |
Building section
The program of the home is divided into three distinct and isolated zones: living, sleeping, and music recording/home entertainment. Each zone can only be accessed by stepping outside. This separation resolves the clients’ desired acoustic separation, while offering an opportunity for continual experiencing the desert landscape.
A perforated steel staircase leads to the roof terrace. The space that contains it is dark and boasts a mysterious atmosphere that encourages contemplation. The harsh desert light from above filters through the perforated steel, as if slowly consuming it.