Curvaceous geometry shapes this super insulated modern earth-contact home-office set within the desert xeriscape landscape on the outskirts of Phoenix Arizona, USA. This detached Desert Office or Guest House is actually set below the xeriscape desert garden by 30", creating eye level garden views when seated at your desk. Hidden below, completely underground and naturally cooled by the masonry walls in full earth contact, sits a six car garage and storage space. There is a spiral stair connecting the two levels creating the sensation of climbing up and out through the landscaping as you rise up the spiral, passing by the curved glass windows set right at ground level. This property falls withing the City Of Scottsdale Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) area so special attention was required for this sensitive desert land project.

Ryan Gamma

Photography by Richard Chivers https://www.rchivers.co.uk/ Island Cottage is an existing dwelling constructed in 1830, in a conservation area at the southern limit of Sidlesham Quay village, West Sussex. The property was highlighted by the local authority as a key example of rural vernacular character for homes in the area, but is also sited in a major flood risk area. Such a precarious context therefore demanded a considered approach, however the original building had been extended over many years mostly with insensitive and cumbersome extensions and additions. Our clients purchased Island Cottage in 2015. They had a strong sense of belonging to the area, as both had childhood memories of visiting Pagham Harbour and were greatly drawn to live on the South Coast after many years working and living in London. We were keen to help them discover and create a home in which to dwell for many years to come. Our brief was to restore the cottage and reconcile it’s history of unsuitable extensions to the landscape of the nature reserve of Sidlesham and the bay of Pagham beyond. The original house could not be experienced amongst the labyrinthine rooms and corridors and it’s identity was lost to recent additions and refurbishments. Our first move was to establish the lines of the original cottage and draw a single route through the house. This is experienced as a simple door from the library at the formal end of the house, leading from north to south straight towards the rear garden on both floors. By reinstating the library and guest bedroom/bathroom spaces above we were able to distinguish the original cottage from the later additions. We were then challenged by the new owners to provide a calm and protective series of spaces that make links to the landscape of the coast. Internally the cottage takes the natural materials of the surrounding coastline, such as flint and timber, and uses these to dress walls and floors. Our proposals included making sense of the downstairs spaces by allowing a flowing movement between the rooms. Views through and across the house are opened up so to help navigate the maze like spaces. Each room is open on many sides whilst limiting the number of corridor spaces, and the use of split levels help to mark one space to the next. The first floor hosts three bedrooms, each of unique style and outlook. The main living space features a corner window, referencing an open book set into the wall at the height of a desk. Log burners, sliding doors, and uncovered historic materials are part of the main reception rooms. The roof is accessible with a steep stair and allows for informal gathering on a grass terrace which gains views far beyond the immediate gardens and neighbouring nature reserve. The external facades have been uplifted with larch cladding, new timber windows, and a series of timber loggias set into the gardens. Our landscaping strategy alleviates flood risk by providing a bung to the garden edge, whilst encouraging native species planting to take over the new timber structure that is directly connected to the house. This approach will help to plant the house in its surroundings, which is vital given the local connection to the Sidlesham Nature Reserve. Throughout the project the client sourced much of the interior finishes and fixtures directly from salvage yards and online second hand boutiques. The house is decorated with reclaimed materials referencing the worn and weary effect of time spent on the beach or at the sea side. Now complete, the house genuinely feels reconciled to its place, a haven for our clients, and an exemplary project for our future clients who wish to link their childhoods with their future homes.

front yard

We designed sliding wood screens that can be easily closed to block the intense summer heat when needed.

Photography by Alex Maguire Photography This house had been re built over the past 12 years. We were asked to redesign the attic to create a new master bedroom with a bathroom and a walk in wardrobe.

An elegant and unique extension was a key part of the brief for the works to this 6 bedroom Arts & Crafts country house near Henley-on-Thames. A whole house refurbishment rationalised and upgraded the three levels of the property with the ground floor extension creating a bespoke entertaining space within the new kitchen.

Dusk hour brings out the life in Casa Magayon, where the all-glass exterior brings the inside spaces out and become part of the outdoor experience. The turquoise-blue pool glows onto the exterior facade, and the balcony overhangs glow with the warmth of reflected light.

John Granen

This terrace is sheltered by the private family living rooms above. A fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining areas overlook a gunite pool. The transparent glass house sits lightly in the landscape blurring the inside/outside boundaries. Peter Aaron

The mix of concrete fiber siding, wood siding above and metal clad windows provide a natural and contemporary palette of materials.

Trent Bell

Foto: Daniel Vieser . Architekturfotografie

great room opens to backyard patio corner window in the home office, great view from desk