This incredible modern home by Steven Holl sits in the desert in Paradise Valley, AZ. And Planar House – so named for its geometric planes – is on the real estate market if you’re looking for a little somewhere to hang your art. The renowned architect constructed the home of tilt-up concrete walls and designed his slabs to merge at some points and diverge at others. This creates small openings where the light shines in. Those walls, along with the Terrazzo floors make this the perfect home to display artwork. Strategic skylights and windows add to the effect. And the desert floor herself provides the perfect backdrop for this architectural masterpiece.
One of the stars of this 1.1 acre desert jewel just outside Phoenix is the 40-foot lap pool. The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house was conceived as a combination residence/private art gallery.
A dip in the pool, anyone?
The artful cacti that surround the house become part of the design.
Terrazo floors and Venetian plaster walls keep the look highly utilitarian – but there are organic splashes.
The art is the star in this home. Well, the art and the architecture.
The open plan is designed for maximum air-flow. After all, this is the desert. They layout assists in maintaining the perfect temperate climate point throughout the year.
The natural light in Planar House was carefully orchestrated to maximize the sun. And moon.
The kitchen has bamboo cabinets – the perfect compliment to the minimalist set-up.
The breakfast bar overlooks the magnificent Saguaro cacti, and others, in the desert garden.
The stillness of the desert infuses everything – yet urban access is just a short distance away.
The simplicity of the concrete exterior frames the desert image – no accessorizing required.
The kitchen’s bamboo adds depth and warmth to the interior.
The long hall makes a perfect gallery wall.
The importance of natural light continues throughout the house.
Beautiful wooden shelves provide a nice contrast to cheerful blue walls and match the elegant wood desk.
The Zen-like master bath is done in Port Orford cedar.
The rooftop boasts a spectacular view of the desert and Camelback mountain – and has its own sculpture garden.
The exterior cacti and desert landscape frame the house.
The back of the house – notice the sculptures on the roof?
And back to one of the most stunning features of the home to close our tour. Steven Holl was recently named America’s Best Architect for “buildings that satisfy the spirit as well as the eye” by Time Magazine. He has certainly lived up to that reputation in this corner of the desert.
Photos and real estate listing by Entrehom Fine Properties.
Architect: Steven Holl.
