Canyon Vista Residence | Robinette Architects, Inc

This LEED Certified custom home was designed for retired professionals in a top-ranked private golf community in Oro Valley, Arizona. The site is characterized by steep hills, boulders, and the lush riparian landscape of the Sonoran Desert.  The home is situated between large rock outcroppings, which frame views across a stunning landscape and beyond to the nearby Catalina Mountain Range.  Capturing these views and maximizing daylight was the driving force behind the design concept.
Architect: Ron Robinette
Country: United States 

The biggest challenge of this project, being the first LEED design for the firm, was to be able to integrate LEED elements and components without compromising the luxury and comfort found in all previous projects designed within the established residential design firm. Many green features are hidden from view such as framing, plumbing, HVAC, and irrigation elements.

Site Selection LEED points were gained through careful site selection, minimizing disturbed area during construction and actual project footprint, and providing ample access to open space around the site.
Landscaping with native drought tolerant plants, along with a high-efficiency irrigation system, minimizes water usage for plant growth. Run-off management from hard surfaces allows rainwater to stay on site to replenish the desert aquifer.

In plan, the home is organized around a single, simple Great Room that is flanked on either side by an impressive stone fireplace and an open Kitchen. This central entertaining area separates two full Guest Suites from the Master Suite and includes an Artist’s Loft above with views out continuous clerestory windows.  The Great Room is enclosed by walls of glass on four sides opening it to stunning views and flooding it with daylight.

Deeply cantilevered horizontal roof planes protect against the desert sun and provide a lattice structure for a translucent photovoltaic Ramada.  Extensive roof cover creates generous outdoor living spaces that extend seamlessly from the interior.  Portions of the residence itself are cantilevered to minimize site disturbance and a suspended entry walkway bridges the natural topography in a show of respect for the desert environment.

The material palette consists primarily of cut limestone paired with large expanses of high performance glass.  The rectilinear stone relates to while contrasting with the boulder-strewn site.  The walls of glass provide a visual connection for the inhabitants and from the exterior reflect the home’s rocky surroundings.