The Phoenix Mountains Preserve isn’t just a scenic neighbor to the Paradise Preserve Residence; it’s a core element woven into the home’s design. Brent Kendle, AIA, LEEP AP, founder and owner of Kendle Design Collaborative, describes the house not with a predefined stylistic label but rather as a design responsive to its environment.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kevin Brost
ARCHITECT: Kendle Design Collaborative
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Greey Pickett
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Misty Cowen, Dwelling Design
BUILDER: Wyatt Builders
WINDOWS: Fleetwood Windows & Doors
The sprawling 6,498-square-foot home has four bedrooms, each with an en suite and a home gym with a bathroom. Conceived as a spec home, Paradise Preserve eschews traditional styles, instead embracing a design responsive to its breathtaking surroundings.
As you approach the house, a series of cast concrete walls and a concrete portal define a dramatic entryway. The grand entrance also doubles as a sound barrier from the street. An art installation featuring kinetic glass-topped posts sways gently in the breeze, and a majestic saguaro cactus ascends through an overhead oculus.
The portal creates a cohesive visual element that extends from the exterior through the foyer, great room and dining room. Opposite, you will find a massive 30-foot-wide multi-slide door system that unites inviting interior spaces with the stunning desert landscape.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: DESERT STAR CONSTRUCTION: CREATE A HEALTHIER HOME
Expansive glass windows throughout the home offer beautiful views of the mountains and desert to the north and the city lights to the south, making any spot in the house the best place in the house. “Our design philosophy prioritizes the creation of homes that are independently unique, emerging organically from their specific sites,” Kendle remarks. “Consequently, this residence epitomizes a harmonious integration with the desert landscape, achieving an authentic sense of place.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kevin Brost
ARCHITECT: Kendle Design Collaborative
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Greey Pickett
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Misty Cowen, Dwelling Design
BUILDER: Wyatt Builders
WINDOWS: Fleetwood Windows & Doors
The meticulous design extends to the backyard, which was transformed into a tranquil oasis in collaboration with landscape architect Greey Pickett. The pool and water features add beauty to the space, temper street noise, and create a dynamic entertainment area. The backyard also has expansive deck areas with fire features, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.
Building a refined home such as this can be complex. “A primary challenge was achieving a balance between an expansive, open feel and an intimate, private atmosphere,” Kendle explains. “Additionally, mitigating noise from the adjacent street to the north posed a significant design consideration. These challenges were addressed through thoughtful spatial planning and integrating landscape elements that enhance the home’s aesthetic and functional aspects.”
These challenges also became opportunities for innovation. To achieve the perfect balance between expansiveness and privacy, Kendle strategically placed the home’s main living areas in the center of the house. The floor-to-ceiling windows were installed on the north facade to take advantage of the mountain views, while on the east and west sides, the number of windows was reduced to mitigate noise and heat gain from the sun. Large overhangs were also added to provide shade on the southern exposure.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: PARADISE VALLEY ESTATES BY BRENT KENDLE
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kevin Brost
ARCHITECT: Kendle Design Collaborative
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Greey Pickett
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Misty Cowen, Dwelling Design
BUILDER: Wyatt Builders
WINDOWS: Fleetwood Windows & Doors
Sustainability was a priority in the design of the residence. The pool’s proximity to the house facilitates passive cooling, while the landscape company, Scottsdale Xeriscape Gardening, was employed to conserve water. The home’s exterior is constructed with cast-in-place concrete and integral color synthetic stucco, chosen for its durability in the harsh, arid climate. High-performance insulated glazing and closed-cell spray foam insulation were also incorporated to improve energy efficiency.
The Paradise Preserve Residence transcends the concept of a lovely house. It’s a fusion of innovative design within the breathtaking desert landscape, thoughtfully crafted by Kendle and his team. A single architectural style doesn’t define this sprawling sanctuary but draws inspiration from its dramatic surroundings. Every detail, from the strategically placed windows to the noise-mitigating pool, is thoroughly considered to create a seamless connection between the home and the desert. This isn’t just a home; it’s a desert oasis.