ibarra rosano design architects: garcia residence frames tucson

ibarra rosano design architects: garcia residence frames tucson
image © bill timmerman
all images courtesy of ibarra rosano design architects

growing out of the rocky tucson mountainside, ibarra rosano design architects has composed ‘garcia residence’ in harmony with the desert landscape. a series of three narrow platforms step back along the hillside to minimize excavation and fill, each with its own specific function. intersecting the home in the middle, the narrowest section comprises the entrance gallery. inside it becomes the central corridor, which separates the bedrooms from the living room, kitchen and dining room below. the lower level angles downhill and is glazed at the end to frame views of the city and catalina range beyond. uphill the bedrooms are separated to allow southern sunlight to enter. a terrace connects them and provides a private space with a surprise. in contrast to the neutral palette of sandblasted integra blocks, birch, steel and concrete, the patio wall is painted in a bold shade of pink.

the house’s material palette blends into the desert context
image © bill timmerman

set on the north slope of the tuscon mountains, the house frames extensive views of the city and catalina mountain range
image © bill timmerman

three terraced bars site delicately on the sloping site
image © bill timmerman

the living room opens directly to the landscape
image © bill timmerman

the long entrance continues through the house, separating the bedrooms from the living area
image © bill timmerman

illuminated, the voids pierce the night
image © bill timmerman

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project info:

project name: garcia residence
location: tucson, arizona, usa
area: 2,150 sq ft (197 sq m)
architect: ibarra rosano design architects
design team: luis ibarra, teresa rosano
contractor: repp design and construction, llc
structural engineer: caruse turley scott
mechanical/electrical engineer: paul formentini
plumbing engineer: ross mellencamp
cabinets/steelwork: mark perry
masonry contractor: hard rock masonry
landscape architect: ibarra landscapes