Clean. Crisp. Simple. There are few words that better sum up the design aesthetic of Up and Away—a modernist retreat with one of the most dramatic front-yard views in Phoenix.
When the owners purchased the lot with its existing residence, they knew they had a jewel in the making. Realizing a renovation wasn’t in the cards to get the modern style they truly wanted, they would need to start from scratch, allowing architect C.P. Drewett to do what he does best: design an award-worthy home.
The property’s location in a neighborhood of dated Ranch-era residences near the base of Camelback Mountain was its most significant advantage, but not its only one. While the south side of the house faces Phoenix’s most iconic landmark, its north side offers panoramic beauty with Mummy Mountain and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve spanning the horizon. And because of these distinctive formations, almost every space in the 4,683-square-foot house has a killer view.
To make the best of the front yard, Drewett took the front of the house vertically with floor-to-ceiling windows that capture Camelback Mountain from the living room, kitchen, and office. Since the couple works from home, their shared office space was a priority for a room with a view.
By contrast, Drewett went horizontal with the architecture in the back to open the house to the sweeping desert scenery. Pocketing doors and numerous sitting areas enhance the indoor/outdoor experience. Accent walls of travertine and basalt, and charcoal-gray metal fascia are contrasted with white plaster walls.
Like the exterior, the interior is clean and minimal, allowing the views and outdoor spaces to reign. Light and bright with tone-on-tone finishes and furnishings, its design is both sleek and elegant, lending itself to the cool aesthetics the owners prefer.
This amenity-rich acre lot includes a 2,151-square-foot detached RV garage with a full bath and doubles as guest quarters for overflow visitors. A spectacular negative-edge pool, artistic water features and vibrant desert flora provide regional flair.
Project Details//Up and Away
Location: Paradise Valley, Ariz.
Architecture: Drewett Works
Builder: DRRL Construction, LLC
Interiors: Ownby Design
Landscape designer: Refined Gardens
Photography: Dino Tonn
Videography: Phoenix Drone Service
Recognition
Gold Nugget Awards ’24–Best Custom Home 5,000-7,000 sq ft – Up and Away
Drewett Works Wins 5 BALA Awards ’23
Best in American Living Silver Award Winner ’23
