Ghost Wash House

The Ghost Wash House, located along the hillside of the north side of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona, is flanked by two washes that move storm water down the mountain. Two tumbled brick bars run parallel to the east and west washes framing a third topographic condition, or “Ghost Wash,” running down the center of the site. The east bar contains the 'support' programs of the house: garages, kitchen, family dining room, etc. The west bar shields the occupants from the intense setting sun. The primary organizing device for the house, the central amenity infrastructure takes cues from the Sonoran Desert. In the same way that desert washes provide a habitat and ecosystem to facilitate desert life and connectivity, the Ghost Wash protects, connects, and facilitates the indoor and outdoor life of the residence. The Ghost Wash House is not a house in the desert, but a house of the desert.

"The response to the natural site context is excellent and the successful rendition of the clients' different tastes is masterfully achieved in the architecture and the interior selections, furniture and art." ~ Jury comment