Gneiss House: Innovative Architecture Blending with Arizona Upland Landscape

The Gneiss House, a project by the Protz Studio architectural studio, is a remarkable dwelling that seamlessly blends with the unique landscape and biome of the Arizona Upland subdivision in the Sonoran Desert. Situated above Soldier Wash, the house offers breathtaking vistas of the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, the Coronado National Forest, and the sprawling valley of Tucson. Designed to minimize site disturbance, the construction is limited to the preexisting clearing, while the rest of the property remains untouched.

As one enters the Gneiss House, they are greeted by an atrium entry featuring an impluvium, a design element that pays homage to the significance of water in this arid climate, particularly during the seasonal monsoon rainfall. The use of cast-in-place earth blocks throughout the house serves as a visual representation of the local gneiss boulders, merging the built environment with the natural surroundings. The spaces between these blocks are fitted with operable glazing, allowing for a seamless connection to the outdoors. Notably, a jewel-like courtyard dedicated to a rescued Desert Tortoise blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, harmonizing the house with the surrounding landscape.

The south façade of the Gneiss House features porches that serve a dual purpose. Apart from providing solar shading for the interior spaces, these porches contribute to the overall aesthetics of the house. Additionally, a thick, vegetated roof acts as a natural cover and insulation, resembling the quarried desert floor elevated above. This unique roof design is fully occupiable, offering a space for observation and creating a cosmic connection to the surrounding environment.

The Gneiss House is intelligently designed to accommodate various living arrangements. Private room suites positioned around the courtyard, along with a separate studio unit, allow for flexible family and rental arrangements. The project's iterative study model process and extensive research have resulted not only in a singular design but also in a catalog of bioclimatic design strategies specifically tailored for the Sonoran Desert.

The Gneiss House stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the Protz Studio architectural studio. Its seamless integration with the landscape, innovative design elements, and harmonious connection to the environment make it an exemplary project in the region. The house not only embraces the unique beauty of the Arizona Upland subdivision but also serves as a sustainable and functional dwelling for its inhabitants.

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