The project is an adaptive reuse of a late 50’s Spanish ranch within the early Paradise Valley subdivision, Casa Blanca Estates. The homeowners desired a “Santa Barbara Style” which would work with the original Spanish eclectic character as much as possible.

Rather than the large volumes created by high ceilings, the clients wanted the design to embrace the charm and human scale of the early 1900’s Spanish homes. They also desired to create a front yard conducive to mingling with neighbors who strolled the lush Casa Blanca neighborhood, one uniue for Paradise Valley.

The Roble residence adorned the cover of Phoenix Home & Garden magazine for the Masters’ of the Southwest 2010 issue, where Clint Miller was honored.   The residence is a courtyard design which incorporates a motor court, garages, swimming pool and backyard views to a natural Sonoran wash. The plan is very efficient.

The architectural character is of a rural European courtyard which looks to have been expanded over time.  The roof is a multi-colored, two piece, mission clay tile which incorporates a heavy-stacked eve detail.

The home is of a human scale with a deeply recessed multi-paneled front door framed by a richly detailed concrete surround. The frame detail is similar to that of the early 1900’s Spanish motifs.

This modern authentic adobe is nestled in the upper Sonoran Desert and has preserved its setting to create a union between structure and site. This rare two-story load-bearing adobe structure features exposed structure as the final surfaces for the ceilings and walls. Colored concrete flooring, steel stairs and details make this home truly unique.

Homeowners are Rob Collins and Misty Mullen. Rob manages the ground for the Paradise Valley Country Club and has brought his plant and horticultural experiences to this design. Misty is an artist working primarily in sculpture and painting and her art adorns this project throughout.

The residence, built primarily as a summer escape from the low desert heat, truly grows harmoniously and naturally from the site. The essential character of the design was influenced by the early buildings of the National Parks.

For this residence, the stone came from excavating for the foundation and septic system and clearly reads as structural, no as a veneer. Attention to southern and northern exposures and resulting site preservation and energy requirements determined design choices. On southern exposures, heavily insulated wooden walls mitigate summer heat gain; the stone wall mass on the northern exposure slowly releases cooling during daytime hours. All exposed posts and beams are structural; exposed joist tails reveal the simple stick-framing and durability.