Desert Courtyard House view

Like the majestic Saguaro cacti that surround the site, this Scottsdale, Arizona courtyard house rises from the earth and meets the sky gracefully and with perfect style. It was designed by Wendell Burnette Architects to perfectly tuck into a clearing amongst granite outcroppings in the lovely desert setting.

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Desert Courtyard House geometric design
Desert Courtyard House trees

The Desert Courtyard House is so named thanks to its most impressive feature: a glass-wrapped courtyard that offers the resident a serene space. The protected space provides privacy, tranquility, fresh air, and a fire pit that lights up even the darkest of desert nights.

Desert Courtyard House outdoor courtyard

Tranquil Monolithic Design

The home really did evolve and grow from the site on which it stands; it was built using the rammed-earth method using soil excavated directly from the building site. The home is meant to be viewed as one continuous line: a serene monument in the middle of this truly incredible setting.

Desert Courtyard House fire pit
Desert Courtyard House private patio

A primordial connection with the desert landscape means that this unique home looks like it belongs here and only here. At one entrance, a Zen garden-like expanse of clean, light sand welcomes residents and visitors to this singularly spectacular home.

Desert Courtyard House swimming pool
Desert Courtyard House metal exterior

Luxury Desert Style

Inside, a clean and modern interior with recessed track lighting and rounded lines softens and provides a contrast to the earth, concrete, and sand exterior.

Desert Courtyard House luxury bathroom
Desert Courtyard House luxury living room

Finally, a “hat” on the building protects it from wind, sun, rain, and erosion. It also serves to help the home melt into its surroundings almost seamlessly. Land and sky are united in a perfect marriage of materials and location, with the home paying due tribute to the extraordinary landscape it occupies.

Desert Courtyard House driveway

Learn more about the architects:

“Wendell Burnette Architects is an internationally recognized architectural practice based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our portfolio of work includes a wide range of private and public projects. The specific focus of the practice is concerned with space and light, context and place, and with the environment and landscapes in which we live.”

“The architecture of the firm responds to the specifics of site and client needs, is resourceful in regards to budget, takes a pro-active approach to the craft of building, and strives to create spaces that engage people. The recent public and private commissions of the studio evidence our desire to be an active member of the communities in which we work and the physical shaping of those places regardless of locale.”