A private single residence for thoughtful and ambitious clients in the phoenix area. The house is meant to be net-positive for energy use and potentially completely off the power grid. Waste water will be treated on-site. Interior health at "vali homes" level. Carbon-eating paint and plaster. Home as a sanctuary.

Prior to picking a site, various courtyard schemes are devised.

The clients had lived in Hawaii for years. We are impressed with a historic park on the Big Island where huge walls create an enclosed area adjacent to the sea- a refuge.

A site is chosen on a hillside with a view of Camelback. The first designs look at various courtyard designs utilizing a large wrapping wall recalling the Hawai'ian historic park. The client sees design sensibility from Star Wars, so the theme is explored.

Eventually, a sensible Euclidean geometry for the plan is sought. A continuous wall around interior and exterior spaces creates the refuge. The courtyard is private and focuses on the view. A pool as water element rises from the ground as the land drops to eliminate pool fencing. A fire element near the pool recalls tiki-torches near the ocean in Hawai'i evoking memories for the clients.