With the birds disappearing into the height,
and the cloud idling in the sky,
the companionship we can always find
is between this mountain and I.
A Slice of Mountain
“If only one could wake up to this scene…” This thought may have crossed your mind had you visited the enchanted red-rock ridgeline in Sedona, AZ. Inspired by this vista, we designed House Manzanita. The architectural masses stretch along the rock-facing side to maximize the view. The floor plan, shaped in a C, incorporates varied spatial elements such as a nook, bridge, stairway, atrium, and tunnel, offering diverse ways to engage with the mountain landscape.
The living storyboard unfolds a series of scenic views. Owners and guests can converse in the open dining room, nap in the great room with its expansive views of the mountains, awaken to the sight of window-framed red rocks, and sip their morning coffee on the bridge or balcony against the backdrop of stunning scenery.
Blending In
Resembling a pair of origami boxes, the structures sit camouflaged in plain sight amidst the lush hills of uptown, subtly enhancing the rocky landscape with their distinctive shapes. Drawing inspiration from oriental design, the environment includes several secluded paths leading home. These routes, along with circular passages in, around, and through the homes, provide multiple perspectives from which to admire the mountain-embraced structures and the surrounding peaks.
The tailored floor plan reflects the owner’s modest and outdoorsy lifestyle: spaces are designed to be just right for a family of four, allowing the rest to be reclaimed by nature. When guests visit, the shared courtyard will be the ideal spot for gatherings in the serene mountain setting.
Cozy Spots
The entrance pavilion doubles as a porch, offering a splendid view of the mountains through the residence.
The cozily carved-out book corner echoes the window nook design of the nearby Arcosanti establishment.
The living room underbridge wall provides a canvas for fixtures and furniture assembly, which, through thoughtful curation by the owner, will evolve into the atmospheric heart of the residence.
