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A Modern Courtyard House in Phoenix

In the Willo Historic District of midtown Phoenix, Arizona, The Ranch Mine designed a modern infill house that “both embraces and escapes the sun and the city.” The 2300 square foot Sol house takes inspiration from southwestern courtyard houses and brings a modern approach to it.

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The front door is recessed with angled walls towards the street that mimic open arms to welcome the neighborhood.

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The residence is a new build and required approval from the Historic Preservation Office thanks to its midtown location. Careful thought was paid to late 17th century courtyard houses, which were designed as a way to get away from the city with a shaded and naturally cooled outdoor room.

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Sol’s design is a U-shaped courtyard house that has a wide roof overhang that creates shade for the outdoor living space. The cantilevered shelter protects from the sun while allowing air to flow from the open side over the pool, where evaporation helps cool the air, into the indoors.

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A hidden staircase at the back of the courtyard leads to a roof deck, which pays homage to sleeping porches that the southwest is known for.

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A curved wall around the courtyard offers privacy and creates a sitting area with a bench and fire pit in the curve.

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Inside, wooden beams in the main living area extend through the glass to the outdoors and angle up towards the sky.

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Photos by Jason Roehner.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.