Architects: Chen + Suchart Studio LLC
Area: 361 m²
Year: 2009
Photography: Bill Timmerman
Structural Engineering: Christopher J. Sosnowski / AED Structural Engineer, Inc.
Construction: Creative Concrete and Mansory LLC
City: Phoenix
Country: United States
Yerger Residence, designed by Chen + Suchart Studio LLC in Scottsdale, Arizona, focuses on capturing views of Camelback Mountain while creating introspective moments within the house. Completed in 2009, the residence features an architectural cast-in-place concrete base, a floating steel-clad volume, and masonry elements, seamlessly blending raw industrial materials with refined finishes to create a dynamic and economically efficient home.
The site offers a primary view to the east toward Camelback Mountain. The project aimed to capture this iconic landmark, integrating it into the house’s experience while creating other introspective moments.
The residence features an architectural cast-in-place concrete base with a floating sheet steel-clad open-ended volume and an 8-4-16 masonry volume. The entry sequence, leading from the street along a koi pond into the entry and then to a negative edge pool, defines the main public spaces and master suite, offering a place of repose.
The main living space has an open-plan configuration, incorporating views of Camelback Mountain. Sliding glass doors provide an uninhibited view, enhancing the connection between the interior and the landscape. Two guest bedrooms, part of the open-ended volume, also capture the view due to the bathroom and closet spaces’ configuration along the west elevation.
The master suite contrasts with a cellular division of spaces that control views and privacy. Located on the same level as the entry and living space, the master suite’s study is positioned higher for additional privacy. The master bedroom has a specific corner view with a sliding glass door mounted externally to accentuate this perspective. Despite its introverted nature, the master suite maintains a view of Camelback Mountain.
The concrete base includes a sunken garage and an exercise area leading to a sunken garden at the back of the house. The exercise area opens to the garden for outdoor activities. By positioning this base below the original grade, the project minimizes the vehicle’s impact on the primary elevation. The sunken garden offers a cooler outdoor space, promoting outdoor exercise.
The floating volume housing the living room and bedrooms is constructed with metal studs and clad with weathering steel sheets. This cladding strategy involved cutting 40,000 lbs of steel to size and shipping it directly from an Alabama mill to the site, proving more economical than sourcing lower quality local materials.
Interior finishes juxtapose highly refined materials with raw industrial ones to enhance their unique qualities. Polished wenge millwork, non-directional stainless steel countertops, white Carrera marble, and terrazzo flooring create a dialogue through their configuration and junctions.
While focusing on Camelback Mountain, the project’s spaces maintain this view and establish new contrasting spaces within the residence.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
