Barrio Historico House / HK Associates Inc

© Timmerman Photography

Architects: HK Associates Inc / Kathy Hancox + Michael Kothke
Location: Tucson, ,
Project Area: 2,100 sqf
Project Year: 2011
Photographs: Timmerman Photography / Bill Timmerman

Located in Tucson’s Barrio Historico, this residence is a modern interpretation of the neighborhood’s traditional courtyard architecture. From the street, the house is anonymous, fitting into the Barrio context with façade proportions and door and window openings in keeping with neighborhood guidelines. The interior of the house is something very different: a contemplative courtyard experience focused on the sky and a swimming pool that fosters a year round connection between the home’s interior and exterior spaces.

Floor Plan
© Timmerman Photography

The house contains an additional surprise: a long rooftop periscope over the kitchen draws the view of the distant mountain vista into the interior of the house where it appears as if looking through a broad window. This experience of the interplay of framed views and reflections is repeated in subtler ways throughout the house, capturing the intimacy of the courtyard and its landscaping as well as the ever-changing Sonoran desert sky.

© Timmerman Photography
Floor Plan
* Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
Cite: "Barrio Historico House / HK Associates Inc" 22 Jul 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 26 May 2013. <http://www.archdaily.com/152341>

7 comments

  3. Thumb up Thumb down 0

    I am so proud of both of you!! These photos of your designs are breathtaking. The desert never looked so soothing and inviting. I wish I could see it in person this time :)

    Reply
  4. Thumb up Thumb down -1

    A sanitized version of modern 30′s architecture.

    When are we going to see something NEW?

    This adds nothing to the lexicon.

    Reply
  6. Thumb up Thumb down +2

    I find the design is very sleek and elegent; however, I think its missing the life and color one expects from a property in the Barrio Historico. I understand the desire for clinical minimalism, but I’m not sure it works as well in the Sonoran Desert.

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