chen + suchart studio reflect desert landscapes on the staab residence

chen + suchart studio reflect desert landscapes on the staab residence
image © winquist photography
all images courtesy of chen + suchart studio

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.

image © winquist photography

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 ground level contains for solid forms to create privacy from the neighbors
image © winquist photography

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.

glass walls reflect the surrounding landscape
image © winquist photography

staggered and spaces CMU blocks form a solid wall with filtered views
image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

main entrance into the home
image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

private yard enclosed within punctured block wall
image © winquist photography

central stairs subdivide the open floor plan
image © winquist photography

polished concrete floors reflect natural light into every room
image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

master bathroom
image © winquist photography

upper level exterior terrace
image © winquist photography

living room opens onto the back yard
image © winquist photography

image © winquist photography

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project info:

designers: chen + suchart studio, llc- szu-ping patricia chen suchart and thamarit suchart
construction company: verge design:build – joby dutton
location: scottsdale, arizona, usa
structural engineering: aed structural engineers, inc. – christopher j. sosnowski, p.e.
construction area: 3,008 sf or 279.45 sqm livable
project year: 2010 – 2013
photography: winquist photography – matt winquist chen + suchart studio, llc
graphics + drawings: chen + suchart studio, llc
major materials: cip concrete walls, polished concrete floors, elevated post-tensioned concrete slab, sand-blasted standard grey 12-8-16 cmu, 24ga a606 corrugated weathering steel, 11ga stainless steel plate, “silver 20” 1” insulated glazing