Single Family Residence_Pheonix AZ

The following project was designed by Corina S. Dumitrescu, for a family of four in Pheonix AZ. Corrugated metal, stucco and aluminum meet to create a modern take on the typical spanish-type inspired tract home. The home features a double height living area, large gourmet kitchen, office space, 2.75 baths, 4 bedrooms, a family room, and a terrace overlooking an outdoor lounge area and reflecting pool.

Considering the house's NS orientation, and geographical location, one main focus was planning according to passive solar design.

The large common areas facing north (living room, family room … etc ) open up to capture northern light and warm up the house in winter months. Here we use stained concrete flooring to absorb heat, and transfer it to 

the rest of the house.

    

The bedrooms are located in the S and SW to shelter the home from the hot summer sun. The 2^nd story is accessed by stairs in the living area, along the garage wall. The catwalk connecting the family room and bedrooms is strategically positioned against the curtain wall on the west elevation, to offer interior shade, and 

views both of the living area and the outdoor garden.

                 

Fun Fact: Giraffe as Gargoyle

For those of us who don't know, gargoyles are elaborate water spouts designed to convey water as far away as possible from the masonry structure. Most of them took the shape of grotesque imaginary creatures with long necks, meant to inspire fear and respect. To this day their effect of human psyche have featured them in legends, books, movies, even Disney animated movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Today we are presented with other options. If need be for long necks, why not a giraffe? Discuss ...

Gargoyle @ Notre Dame Cathedral (de Paris)

Giraffe as Gargoyle by cocoknots

Disney Animated Gargoyles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame