On the slopes of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, The Ranch Mine, led by Claire and Cavin Costello, reimagined a Spanish Colonial Revival house into the striking Red Rocks residence. “
The original home was rich with character but struggled to maximize its stunning views. Heavy columns and a clay tile roof gave it a formal feel, limiting the desired indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The Ranch Mine addressed this by removing these elements, opening the home toward the mountains, valleys, and expansive desert.
Stripping back to elegance
The design team removed the Spanish Colonial features, reducing the house to a simple two-story stucco structure. They introduced an addition to better engage with the surrounding landscape.
An exquisite cantilevered second-story suite, clad in vein-cut Veracruz limestone, mirrors the natural calcite seams of the red rock, melding the architecture with its environment.
An entrance with flair
A custom pivot gate by Bang Bang Designs marks the property’s entrance. The hexagonal pattern offers an architectural detail, transitioning guests seamlessly into the home.
Visitors encounter a covered patio with misters for comfort in the desert heat, and a hot tub with panoramic desert views.
Pathway to serenity
Illuminated stairs descend from the patio to the pool, flanked by lush planters. This landscaping honors the rocky terrain, using it cleverly rather than flattening it.
Bringing nature indoors
Inside, expansive windows and sliding doors redefine the living room and kitchen, showcasing breathtaking views. The original layout impeded this visual connectivity.
The kitchen’s concrete flooring, paired with walnut and quartz finishes, underscores the home’s interaction with its desert surroundings, shifting focus to the stunning red rock backdrop.
A family space with a view
The family room, beneath its lofty ceiling, juxtaposes the living room and kitchen, flooding the space with natural light. Large windows frame the red rocks, seamlessly integrating the mountain into daily life.
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The Ranch Mine relocated the staircase to enhance openness, offering continuous sightlines throughout the home.
Bright and airy upstairs
The library features maple floors and white shelving, maintaining brightness and warmth. The restrained materials throughout highlight the scenic outdoor vistas.
Flexible outdoor living
Custom bi-folding steel screens by Bang Bang Designs shield the second-floor deck from the sun, yet allow breezes to pass. This adaptability converts the space from a sheltered room to an open outlook.
As evening falls, the screens reveal vibrant Arizona sunsets, with integrated planters adding greenery to this elevated perspective.
Desert-facing master suite
The master suite includes a living room that extends directly to the deck, amplifying the connection to the desert and sky.
Red rock reflections in the master bath
A large window in the master bathroom frames Camelback Mountain, blending nature with the interior. This simple integration brings the stunning landscape indoors.
Decorative details in the powder room
The powder room’s geometric tiles add flair, contrasting with the minimalist approach elsewhere in the home. Chrome accents complement the elegance of the compact space.
Juliet balcony and mountain views
The second floor’s Juliet balcony cantilevers out, enhancing close interactions with the mountain. This addition exemplifies Red Rocks’ ethos: transforming inward-focused spaces to embrace the landscape.
The renovation redefined this Phoenix home, transitioning it from its Spanish Colonial origins to a sanctuary that celebrates its positioning on Camelback Mountain. The Ranch Mine demonstrated how remodels can significantly transform a property, integrating stunning vistas into the very fabric of a home.
Photography by Roehner + Ryan | Architect: The Ranch Mine | Builder: Koss Design+Build | Landscape Architect: The Green Room Inc.
Sources & Links
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
What was the original architectural style of the Phoenix home?
The original home was a Spanish Colonial Revival house.
How did The Ranch Mine enhance views from the home?
The Ranch Mine removed heavy columns and a clay tile roof to open the home toward the mountains, valleys, and desert, enhancing the views.
What features were added to enhance outdoor living?
A custom pivot gate, a covered patio with misters, a hot tub, and bi-folding steel screens for the second-floor deck were added to enhance outdoor living.