This Arizona Home Uses the Desert Landscape as "Living Art"

The desert city of Scottsdale, Arizona, is set within the sprawling Sonoran Desert and overlooked by the majestic McDowell Mountains, so it’s no surprise that this spectacular landscape plays a pivotal role in shaping much of the area’s architecture.

The Modern Sunset House by AFT Construction, Cosan Studio, and Alisha Taylor Interiors is a celebration of this landscape, with a design that prioritizes the connection between inside and out: living spaces spill seamlessly outside, expansive glazing frames the views, and considered heating and shading features ensure the exterior spaces can be used throughout the year.  

"We really wanted to bring the outside in and maximize space," explains Bradley Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction. "The clients are here throughout fall, winter, and spring and they entertain frequently and spend a lot of time outside."

Driving the design of the 6,000-square-foot home is an awe-inspiring cantilevered butterfly roof crafted from structural steel. The form of the roof creates soaring 20-foot-high ceilings and allows the roof structure to span 70 feet to encompass both the interior and exterior living spaces. "The goal was to install a butterfly roof so that all the windows looked either up at the mountainside, or out into the Scottsdale city lights," says Leavitt. 

The large overhang protects the outside entertaining spaces from the Arizona elements—whether monsoon season or sun—allowing the residents to maintain a functional entertaining space throughout the year. "This approach meant there were no obstructions," explains Leavitt. "But, there was nowhere to optimize the heat and light because the ceiling over the outdoor patio is so high it was impossible to have in-ceiling heaters."