The scorching urban streets of Phoenix, Arizona are the setting for this dramatic home and studio. The Xeros Residence – “xeros” is Greek for “dry” – was designed by the architects at Blank Studio.

The home site is at once challenging and ideal. The challenge comes from its very narrow layout; the lot is a mere 50′ X 250′. However, the lot sits at the end of two dead-end streets, directly next to the North Phoenix mountain preserve.


The utterly magnificent natural surroundings directly informed the home’s features. A layer of woven metal mesh protects the home from the harsh sun on one side, while an opaque wall blocks out the intense afternoon sun from the west.


Coming into the home’s lower level requires passing behind the metal mesh screen, entering into a kind of informal forecourt from which you can travel down to the studio space. A separate exterior metal staircase takes you to the upper level where the residence is located.

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The home’s interior is every bit as impressively unique as the exterior. Deep tones contribute to a feeling of peace and tranquility while ample views of the stunning surroundings give the interior a natural splendor.