Diamond Head Mountain House

Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick

DIAMOND HEAD MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Rob Paulus Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Rob Paulus Architects

OWNER
Sheldon Danielson

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Baker + Hesseldenz Design Inc.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Rob Paulus Architects

MANUFACTURERS
Western Window Systems, Bosch, Corrugated Industries, Delta Faucet, Dunn Edwards, Ikea, Mbci, Wilsonart, G.e.profile, Ge Profile, Sun Earth, Thomas & Betts

PHOTOGRAPHS
Liam Frederick

CONSTRUCTION COST 
$480,000

AREA
2030 Ft²

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
Tucson, United States

CATAGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

This house for an astronomer in the Tucson Mountains takes full advantage of its sloping site to create a dramatic living arrangement in a harsh yet beautiful environment.

Working with a minimal footprint, the stacked scheme utilizes strategic view openings as well as a vertical progression of spaces to proceed from enclosed and earthbound to lofty and skyward.

Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick

An observatory on top of the hill with remote viewing inside the house completes the scheme.

Passive solar orientation creates large openings to north views with shaded glazing at south vistas that include Kitt Peak and the Tucson Mountains.

Operable shade panels made from saguaro ribs control morning sunlight at the lower and upper floor east bedrooms while a small western aperture frames the colorful sunsets prominent in the Southwest.

Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House

Efficiency in mechanical, enclosure and glazing systems further insure the comfort and livability of the residence.

Two exterior living spaces take on unique individual characters: the south deck floats high above the desert landscape while the north patio places inhabitants directly on the desert floor to look up at nearby Diamond Head Mountain.

Diamond Head Mountain House
Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick

Simple geometries, tight detailing and rusted corrugated metal are contrasted with the varied color and texture of the Sonoran Desert.


Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House
Diamond Head Mountain House
Liam Frederick
Diamond Head Mountain House


Diamond Head Mountain House
Concept
Diamond Head Mountain House
Generative Sketch


Diamond Head Mountain House
Site Plan
Diamond Head Mountain House
Floor Plans


Diamond Head Mountain House
Elevations
Diamond Head Mountain House
Section Drawings