Red Rocks House, Stunning Transformation by The Ranch Mine

Date of Publishing: June 21, 2024

Contents

Architecture Design of Red Rocks House

Description About The Project

Red Rocks House designed by The Ranch Mine, clinging to the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, a Spanish Colonial Revival style house has been transformed into a dwelling that creates and elevates a variety of experiences with both the natural and man-made environment.

When the homeowners approached Claire and Cavin Costello of The Ranch Mine to redesign their mountainside home, they were frustrated by the thick columns that interrupted the views, the heavy clay tile roofs and dark beams, and the floor plan that focused more on a ceremonial entry than the indoor/outdoor lifestyle they craved. It was clear very quickly to the design duo that although the Spanish Colonial Revival style can be beautiful in the right situations, the style of this home was repressing the potential of the site, or more simply put, the house was style over substance.

The first move to remedy this situation was to strip back the additive design features, leaving a simple, two-story stucco box. Inside the box, The Ranch Mine rearranged the floor plan to prioritize the connection between the living spaces of the house and the primary views. This included relocating the stairs and adding new steel, glass, and wood elements to allow for a view from the rear of the house through the front and to the valley beyond. An additional ensuite bedroom was added via a second story, clad in unhoned, unfilled vein-cut Veracruz limestone that cantilevers out over the mountain, preserving outdoor living space and maintaining the existing house footprint. Instead of mimicking the red sedimentary sandstone of Camelback Mountain, the limestone was chosen to appear like the calcite veins often found in the red rocks, marking their moment in time.

Along with this enclosed space, over 2000 square feet of shaded exterior patios were created, extending the living space in every direction and providing shade for the interior spaces. The first-floor covered patio, accessed by a custom pivot gate by Bang Bang Designs, is lined with misters to keep the space cool year-round in the desert heat. It transitions the open living space to the hot tub and firepit area and down to the pool. The large south-facing second-floor patio, with an Ipe ceiling and floor, features bi-folding custom steel screens (also by Bang Bang Designs) that help shield the deck from the harsh desert sun while still allowing the breeze to come through. These screens can be folded aside at dusk to take in the famous Arizona sunsets.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: Red Rocks House
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Project Year: 2018
Area: 4491 ft²
Designed by: The Ranch Mine

Red Rocks House, renovated by The Ranch Mine, clings to the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona.

The patio transitions the open living space to a hot tub, firepit area, and pool.

Interior spaces are designed with minimalistic principles, reducing clutter and focusing on functional and aesthetic simplicity.

The use of neutral colors enhances the natural light and creates a calm, serene environment.

The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, helps to blend the interior with the natural surroundings.

Every interior space is designed to maximize the stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the surrounding valley.

The Red Rocks House Gallery:

Text by the Architects: Clinging to the side of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, a Spanish Colonial Revival style house has been transformed by architecture firm The Ranch Mine into the ‘Red Rocks’ residence, a dwelling that creates and elevates a variety of experiences with both the natural and man-made environment.

Photo credit: Roehner + Ryan | Source: The Ranch Mine

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 4340 E Indian School Rd. Suite 21552, Phoenix, AZ 85018
– Tel: (602) 571-3016
– Email: info@theranchmine.com